False positive urine

Published

An hpmp participant for almost 4 years. Recently a urine showed positive nitrites and I was asked if I had adulterated. Of course, no. And the split sample was repeated. I didn't hear anything, didn't have anything to hide, assumed all was good. 2.5 months go by and "BAM!" A CALL AT WORK STATING IVE ADULTERATED MY URINE. Stop practice. States nitrites were too high. Awaiting "staffing"

Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

Received results from my polygraph, he took 2 tests. One was inconclusive, the 2nd " not deceptive". That thing was not what I expected, because the questions of me tampering with my urine or altering my urine in any way, upset me. And that's the response the machine catches.

Now, I've got to request my CM, send letters of compliance to payers ( I'm an NP, and insurance companies review CAQH-they want proof of compliance or they will not pay your claims for patients billed for my services). My board filed a public complaint against me when I relapsed, so my stuff is posted for the world to see.

I'm requesting the dates be from the actual order into the program to the date of whatever decision they've made. I've not been able to work since the phone call Tuesday, Nov 12. So, she should, but I'm not very trusting of this new CM.

I'll be so very angry, if there is a change from what she told me after the "STAFFING DECISION " on Thursday, Nov 14th. If what she informed me and my HR rep is different , I promise, I will do everything in my power to make her accountable. I'm held to ethical, moral, and compliance expectations, and the employees of these boards should be, too.

Yup, its 1130pm here, and I can't sleep. Again. I'll definitely be working a 4th step on this one.

If I make it thru

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Specializes in ED RN and Case Manager.

@TESSIENP Any updates to your situation?

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

I've still not received a board hearing. Money is running low. I'm scared and frustrated.

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

Its been almost 3 months since I was accused of adulterating a urine. I have active licenses, but unable to get credentialed, or get a job as an RN. My savings are running out. I haven't been given a date for a board hearing. I dont know what to do. Lawyer says we need to have hearing before doing anything else.

Still sober!!!!

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

Hold on (hugs). Money-wise, are there any non-nursing jobs you can do just to pay the bills for now?

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

I'm working in a convenience store. 7 days a week. 2 weeks for a paycheck of what I used to make in one day. Quite humbling, frustrating. Not much in my really small town. I just love having patients come in and see me working there. I never know how to answer their questions.

I feel so helpless to the whole thing. I have equity in my house, but cant get it, because I dont have a job. I was told it's be easier to just sell the house.

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

Finally the board of nursing has started its "investigatio", and HPMP's complaints are from my entire time with them. I'm hoping I can have enough peace of mind to answer the investigators questions. Already had a flash of anger at the tone of their request.

Still making it, still sober. HPMP didn't get me sober, and I wont use over this.

Sure wish I could get some justice but I feel I'm SOL on that one

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Hang In Tessie. I wish I had some wonderful words for you to make this better but you are living many of my worst fears. I had a pee test today and probably only got a few left but as always this false positive nightmare runs through my head. My prayers are with u!!!!

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

Well, finally, an investigation has started. This is my 3rd investigation and first without being my own worst enemy. My lawyer has informed me that even if BON sides with me and states HPMP was in error, I still cant hold HPMP liable for defamation or damages associated with lost wages. I REALLY hope he is wrong.

I'm still sober, still going to my aa meetings, still trying to see my counselor, still crying at drop of hat, still having sleepless nights and scared to get on any meds because of how they may be viewed. I'm not talking benzos or anything like that.

So, I'm still making it. This is damn hard though. Lawyer says I won't even be able to get the lab results. It's just hard for me to believe that an organization has that much power. There has to be a lawyer somewhere in VA willing to fight this monster.

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What a NIGHTMARE. Everybody’s worst fear. I am praying super fiercely for you tonight.

I just want to say, I KNOW it had to have been incredibly difficult and humbling for you to have to go back to working in a convenience store just to keep your head above water. I feel like these programs are designed to break people down and humiliate them. But it’s amazing that you mustered the courage to do that and in the end, you are going to clear to clear your name.

Did HPMP formally dismiss you, after giving you conflicting information about whether they were doing so? I would keep seeking more legal opinions to try and find someone willing to take HPMP on. Somebody should have the guts, but it might take a calling many of them to find the person.

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

I was dismissed formerly, but it about 5 days to finally get a straight dismissal.

I need lots of prayers and any suggestions for Virginia lawyers. Mine still says I need to wait on board hearing, I agree. But, him telling me HPMP has immunity is frustrating.

I've read the VA code on the monitoring program and I read that "members" can not be sued, I want to go after the organization. the same as a medical or professional malpractice suit. But I'm not a lawyer.

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1 hour ago, TESSIENP said:

I was dismissed formerly, but it about 5 days to finally get a straight dismissal.

I need lots of prayers and any suggestions for Virginia lawyers. Mine still says I need to wait on board hearing, I agree. But, him telling me HPMP has immunity is frustrating.

I've read the VA code on the monitoring program and I read that "members" can not be sued, I want to go after the organization. the same as a medical or professional malpractice suit. But I'm not a lawyer.

I don’t trust anybody who says any organization is immune to litigation. That’s not even true for cops! I know in my state a few years ago a lawsuit was brought against the monitoring agreement in my state and I believe the nurses won.

I just search the TAANA.org website for a nurse attorney in Virginia who handles licensure/disciple, general litigation, and class actions suits and many names popped up. All of those attorneys are also nurse as far as I’m aware, but you can also Google attorneys who handle those same issues who aren’t nurses. You never know how aggressive a nurse is going to be with the board if they are scared for their own license too in retaliation. Not saying that is the case, but I’d talk to attorneys on both side of the coin who have experience in licensing and law suits.

So sorry you are going through this! God will provide.

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