Anyone volunteer into monitoring and then voluntarily leave

crazin01 · Jan 16, 2021

What does the contract state about not completing the program? Yes, anybody can choose to voluntarily back out of any signed contract, but there are usually consequences.

Here in PA (I'm just paraphrasing, but I'm positive I've got the main gist of it) it states failure to complete the program results in closing of your file with PHMP (PA's state-run monitoring program) and reporting of the file closure (including the reason WHY it was closed, either for successful completion or unsuccessful completion, it's either one or the other, no middle/grey area) to the PA Board of Nursing. Most have their licenses on probation while enrolled in said program, and then their license would be revoked or suspended for non-completion of program.

As far as health issues (mental or otherwise) remaining private, the PA contract also states you have a PCP, aware of & signed to your contract. And that any other health provider (dentist, specialist, psychiatrist) be made aware of your contract. So, HIPAA becomes a luxury we can no longer enjoy.

I hope your friend has a more lenient state, that'd be great; but in the 7 years I've been frequenting this board (any myriad other similar resources online) it's been very far & few between who are able to wiggle out of such a contract & not been penalized because of it, as it relates to their nursing license. Again, best of luck for your friend & if they are successful, please do share! It may give some hope to others in a similar boat!

unreal RN, ASN, RN · Jan 16, 2021

I was involved with ISNAP back in 2009-2012. I never had any work issues and no legal issues whatsoever. None. I sought help through ISNAP because that's what I thought I HAD to do. Mine what strictly an issue with alcohol and I had no restrictions on my monitoring agreement as far as narcotics or areas of nursing that I could work in, shifts, etc. It was confidential and I never had to deal with the board of nursing.

About 2 years into my monitoring agreement I had to leave my job due to a family illness. I had already satisfied more than the 6 months of working as a nurse requirement. All of my reports from employer, addictionist, therapist, AA sponsor were all glowing...I was a model participant. No relapses, no missed check ins, no positive drug screens.

When I started looking for a new job I had a terrible time getting a job because I was in ISNAP and even though I had no restrictions no one would hire me. With the support of my addictionist, therapist, and AA sponsor I petitioned to end my monitoring agreement at 2 years. They gave me a firm NO.

It was clear to me at the start of my agreement that if I were to not complete me agreement per the contract that was signed then my case would be turned over to the BON to handle and it would not longer be a confidential program. Back then Indiana was a less punitive state for monitoring. I don't believe that is the case now. Walking away from my monitoring agreement would have meant losing my nursing license.

MRO5415, BSN · Jan 21, 2021

I hate to intrude, but all of these alternative to discipline programs remove the nurse from having any protections, via public information and/or HIPAA.

allnurses Guide · Jan 21, 2021

2 minutes ago, MRO5415 said:

I hate to intrude, but all of these alternative to discipline programs remove the nurse from having any protections, via public information and/or HIPAA.

So true - But most alternative programs stay off your liscense if you complete successfully - I have run by license through ny BON and there is no public record attached to it . I cehcked Nursys as well not record - But I was never up for discipline I went this rought because my then husband would allow me to go to rehab so I removed the option and made it mandatory so that I no option but to go to rehab

unreal RN, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2021

6 hours ago, MRO5415 said:

I hate to intrude, but all of these alternative to discipline programs remove the nurse from having any protections, via public information and/or HIPAA.

One thing I don't understand is why it's necessary to post meeting minutes to the BON website with the nurse's diagnosis be it substance abuse, mental health, or both. Some of them are pretty detailed with suicide attempts. etc. Replete with the nurse's home address in the minutes.

Why do those things have to be a matter of public knowledge? Can't they just say license 'probation' or 'suspended', or 'revoked' without hashing out all the details?

I don't see how that protects the public.

Scared2020 · Jan 24, 2021

On 1/21/2021 at 9:48 PM, unreal said:

One thing I don't understand is why it's necessary to post meeting minutes to the BON website with the nurse's diagnosis be it substance abuse, mental health, or both. Some of them are pretty detailed with suicide attempts. etc. Replete with the nurse's home address in the minutes.

Why do those things have to be a matter of public knowledge? Can't they just say license 'probation' or 'suspended', or 'revoked' without hashing out all the details?

I don't see how that protects the public.

In my situation I diverted and the whole situation is posted on my license for the world to see (even though I self-reported, signed a four year contract with my state’s alternative to discipline program...my license got suspended and I was kicked out of the program). I was also fired and agreed not to find another nursing job until it was approved. I guess you can say it protects the public/my future employers because I cannot lie to them about why my license was suspended.

I wish they would have just let me continue in monitoring. I was already in rehab and had submitted multiple clean UAs, gone to almost daily NA meetings, had five months sober when they suspended my license. I should’ve got a lawyer but didn’t have the money.

sorry for the tangent. Anyway, I agree it’s totally unfair to publicly post a nurse’s mental health issues, suicide attempts, even drug/alcoholism when it doesn’t pertain to their workplace (if they have no proof of being under the influence at work, did not divert, etc). In cases like mine I can see why they do it.

TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN · Feb 3, 2021

I fail to see how these monitoring programs are an "alternative to discipline", they're archaic, punitive, and degrading to the people in them. There has to be a better way to "protect the public" that ensures that impaired nurses get the help they need and recover before treating patients while still honoring their privacy and dignity.

Dignity, that's something society is always trying to take away from those who use substances or are mentally ill.

Until there is a nationwide movement to decriminalize substance use, and until we accept that abstinence only treatment is only one prong on the fork to treat substance abuse, maybe then we'll see meaningful change.

MRO5415, BSN · Feb 4, 2021

Exactly!!

blackpear1981-MSN · Nov 14, 2021

To answer the OP question: yes I volunteered dropped out of the TN monitoring program and my license was placed in suspension. I had to wait six months to re enter the program.

blackpear1981-MSN · Nov 20, 2021

On 1/11/2021 at 7:46 PM, smilemk0 said:

Trying to find anyone that has left monitoring before their contract was up. Not kicked out for any reason, just simply left.

I do not want any opinions on what might happen if one were to do this - just trying to find at least one person that has actually done it - should that exist haha

TIA

I dropped out of monitoring due to a financial situation I was having .My case manager reported it to the BON and my license is suspended. I’m free and clear on the oig list, Thanks to a recent background check I had through a non nursing job. I had to wait six months to re enter monitoring by that time I was collecting unemployment.