Help! Advice needed HPRP Michigan

K. Everly, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2020

I’m in MI too, about to start my tango with this lovely program due to a DUI as well.

Best advice you will ever hear: lawyer up. Check out the TAANA.org website to find a nurse attorney who has experience defending against board action and HPRP.

I would heed the advice of your counsel like your life depended on it and let them do the talking and don’t sign a THING until they’ve advised you. They can often advise you of how to proceed in ways that will mitigate the damage to you and your license, even if you have to get involved with the program. (better contract stipulation etc)

I attempted to find an addictionologist that was accepting new patients and couldn’t find anybody. I started getting PEth tests to prove sobriety, and will also have all my negative USD screens and AA verification from my probation officer as well. That could be worth looking into. One of the things the lawyer can hopefully help you with is finding an evaluator that is less shady and perhaps getting a preemptive evaluation (from a certified evaluator) that looks more favorable than the one HPRP is going to try and rig up for you using the evaluator they choose.

I’d consult an attorney yesterday.

AbbeyR, ADN, BSN · Mar 11, 2020

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I am also in MI. From what I’ve read on this forum getting a DUI is pretty much a one way ticket into HPRP. You’ll have to meet with an HPRP person for an evaluation about your drug/alcohol/mental health assessment. Never admit to any previous drug use, not even “ I tried pot once in high school 20 years ago” they’ll say you have a moderate drug problem. Deny Deny Deny.. that can’t prove you’re past use. If you voluntarily sign up for the program a lawyer won’t be able to work out the requirements of the program like No narcotics access or keys for 6 months or what shifts you can work. Hiring a lawyer before you sign might allow some restrictions to be lifted. I’d definitely take advantage of free consultations and see who you like. There are a few MI nurses on here in the program, plus you’ll get such amazing support on here.

Prayers... This forum has helped so much! I haven’t even heard from the BON but I know it’s coming.

jennifemarie · Jul 26, 2024

I'm about to be in the same situation. What was the outcome here? @MiRN07

Healer555 · Jul 26, 2024

jennifemarie said:

I'm about to be in the same situation. What was the outcome here? @MiRN07

There was one person who posted here that they only got 1 month of a monitoring agreement after a DUI. A lawyer can guide you in who to choose for your evalustor to get you the best outcome. Stop drinking now to lower your perh test results. No thc.

jennifemarie · Jul 26, 2024

Healer555 said:

There was one person who posted here that they only got 1 month of a monitoring agreement after a DUI. A lawyer can guide you in who to choose for your evalustor to get you the best outcome. Stop drinking now to lower your perh test results. No thc.

Thank you for the response! Any idea who posted that and/or where they posted it?

Healer555 · Jul 26, 2024

jennifemarie said:

Thank you for the response! Any idea who posted that and/or where they posted it?

It was in the recovery section. Sorry . I don't know more

Healer555 · Jul 26, 2024

You would have to read through every post and all the replies to find it but in my opinion it's worth it especially if you don't have an Alcohol problem. A monitoring agreement is really awful. The person who posted got 1 month of monitoring instead of 3 years.

MichelleTinsel · Feb 4

Im in MI as well. I reported my owi that happened in 2023 and they're just now looking into me. I did a recovery program voluntarily right after and have been sober since. I didn't get probation or anything. I met with an evaluator who isn't recommending a monitoring agreement. I have a negative drug screen. My case is being presented Thursday and I'm super nervous. I don't want a monitoring agreement

AbbeyR, ADN, BSN · Feb 4

Sounds like you did everything right! It takes a long time for the BON to "catch up" you might get placed on probation for a year which is basically where your manager fills out a simple form that that's your preforming safety every 3 months. Best of luck! Remember this feels like the worse day of our professional career but for them it's just another Thursday. Soon this will be behind you!

MichelleTinsel · Feb 4

You think so? If this happens, I'll get a lawyer bc the evaluator isn't even recommending anything. I completed IOP in 2023. I'm "non regulatory" so my job doesn't know

NurseJackie69 · Feb 4

MichelleTinsel said:

You think so? If this happens, I'll get a lawyer bc the evaluator isn't even recommending anything. I completed IOP in 2023. I'm "non regulatory" so my job doesn't know

Get ANOTHER evaluation from a NON Michigan BON approved SUD evaluator. Why? You then have not 1, but TWO different evaluators saying you don't need monitoring. It's a slam dunk. The BON will back down and ANY Lawyer in America would take your case if...if the BON persisted. If it makes you feel better and you are concerned about whether its "approved by the BON" then get Another evaluation from one of the two remaining Approved BON evaluators. Tell them you already got 1 but you want another just to prove the point and show them your recent evaluation so they don't try any funny business.

Important.....Because you had an OWI, it is STILL 50/50 that the BON makes you do 1 year of monitoring and they can possibly do that. The SECOND evaluator from Another Source is what moves that from a 50/50 call to a 95 to 5 call in Your Favor.