CA/ AZ diversion program

[AZRN31]

Question, was recently fired and reported for diversion while on a travel assignment in California but live in Arizona. Plan on self reporting but not sure if I can do the CANDO program in Arizona since I was in Ca at the time. I really don’t want to have to sell my house and move to California to complete this. I don’t want to work in CA ever again. I would much rather go through the program here in AZ. Wanting to see if anyone has advice on this. I consulted a lawyer in CA and she just keeps telling me to move to CA and sell my house. According to the CANDO website I would be eligible the only concerning thing is this language which I confusing

“Is under investigation by another state board, unrelated to his/her entry into the ATD Program, and which results in probation, suspension, surrender or revocation of licensure in another state, he/she will not be eligible to continue in the ATD Program and will be referred to the Board.“

[rn1965, ADN]

If your residence on record is AZ, I would try to enroll in their CANDO program. But first, consult an AZ attorney who practices in the area of RN license defense. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck and stay strong. Take care of yourself and if you need help, get it, start going to meetings and document anything you are doing toward your recovery.

[AZRN31]

I’ve done some extensive research and certain I can do AZ CANDO. I’m worried how much IOP will cost.

[rn1965, ADN]

They may not force your into IOP, but, start saving, in case they do, also look for some free/reduced/sliding scale fee programs. Maybe the health department can help out with that.

I was originally licensed in AZ and was revoked (failed CANDO). I then moved to Texas and applied for endorsement here (14+ years sober). I am near the end of the licensing procedure here, and will be required to have a TPAPN contract, which I knew and will gladly do, to have my license back. My license will forever have a mark on it and the whole world can read about it if they wish. I understand, I put myself in this position.

It has been a long road, but, I took care of myself first, and I hope you do the same. Please do what you can to comply with CANDO and hopefully get out with your license unscathed!

Good luck and keep logging on here, if you need support!

[AZRN31]

So will your TX license have a mark on it as well? Or just your AZ license? I made a big mistake and I know I have to face the consequences but I am willing to do everything required. I just have to be able to pay for it all.

[somedudeinarizona, BSN]

I just got through IOP here in AZ. I was covered by insurance so, it reached my deductible before insurance fully covered it, which for me, was $2500. Being covered by BCBS of AZ, they do cover the rest under their insurance. If you do not have insurance, you can apply for AHCCCS, they also cover a large portion of CD recovery. Just make sure that the person that is trying to get them to pay is aggressive about it.

[somedudeinarizona, BSN]

Just reread your first post. Were you under investigation by the board in CA? If not and you moved here to AZ, then the board may be more readily willing to work with you in CANDO. Also, have you talked to a nursing lawyer here in AZ? They may have better advice than the CA lawyer since you reside in AZ.

[AZRN31]

No I live in AZ was doing staffing in CA at the time. Figure I’ll have to surrender my CA license and do CANDO here. SomedudeinAZ can I email you? I have so many questions and need some guidance.

[AZRN31]

Like we’re you able to work during IOP? Or do they take you out of work for three months? Idk how I would pay for everything and IOP without work. Maybe I should try getting a job that requires no narcotics? Before I self report.

[somedudeinarizona, BSN]

I was able to work during IOP, not gonna lie it was very difficult. Luckily I had an employer that was willing to work with that. There was IOP, A.A. meetings, work, recovery group, and trying to get some sleep. I would advise to look for a job where you will not need to pass any narcs for a while, be very up front and honest on the application and if they ask about it (I told the place I work at now right up front what was going on, and when I met with HR they were way more receptive to me being honest right away, they said that honesty is what really tipped the decision to hire) let them know what to expect. I was out of work for about a month until I got the you can go back to work letter. None of this is cheap either. I realize how blessed I am for various reasons that it didn't financially strain my wife and me, but I am in a group (you will attend nurse recovery groups) where a few have filed bankruptcy. For me the least expense, ironically, has been the attorney I met with at the beginning.

My two cents is for anyone that believes that there is a valid reason for an investigation to start doing things for yourself in this process. Someone gave me advice on not to do IOP before the board said to, that was good advice. But, I would start on the A.A. meetings, find a nurse recovery group that you can attend (AZBN has a list), get a sponsor right away, essentially the more proactive you are the better the outcome.

Also, IOP was not three months, it's 24 sessions, there are some places that meet 4 times a week which would have been undoable, but hey, you'd be finished in 6 weeks, I did three times a week.

[rn1965, ADN]

On 12/25/2019 at 10:20 AM, AZRN31 said:

So will your TX license have a mark on it as well? Or just your AZ license? I made a big mistake and I know I have to face the consequences but I am willing to do everything required. I just have to be able to pay for it all.

Yes, both will have a mark. It is my fault and I take full responsibility. I am just grateful I have been given the chance to practice nursing again.

[JxoRN]

I went to Terros, it was free! I didn't have insurance and I didnt need anything. I did their IOP & Aftercare.