HPRP get legal advice first

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2008

If someone is bad enough to come to the attention of their employer/BON and sent for evaluation, there's a problem of some sort. Normal people don't come to the attention of these people, so they do tend to be conservative and recommend treatment for just about everyone. Better safe than sorry. Sometimes "it takes one to know one". An addict/alcoholic evaluator can see through someone's denial because they've played that game before. Sometimes too it's easier for the client to talk to someone whose has "been there and done that". They are also professionals with credentials and should be respected.

The recovery forum is for those of us with a known and accepted addiction problem. If this is not you, while you're always welcome to post and offer opinions, this might not the the forum for you to participate in.

metnaj23 · Aug 27, 2008

Most people who come to the attention of their states BON most likely have a problem. I would justify my drinking as partying! everybody parties.I would have to take several different pills just to calm down enough to make it into work the next morning. It all started out with 1 DUI. The truth will set you free. If you have a problem or if you dont have a problem the truth always comes out.(eventually)

I believe it is possible for someone to be falsely accused or have a false positive drug screen. I just dont think that happens often. Self preservation always kicks in and we start denying and rationilizing.

victory in the surrender

good luck

metnaj23 · Aug 27, 2008

nursing boards will usually work with you! you'd be surprised

comp · May 23, 2010

Actually the false accusations happen all the time. just type in HPRP and read some of the posts.

savgal1211 · Dec 20, 2010

Yup! I got referred to a BON investigator who was a real Bull dog and tried to accuse me of drug diversion. AT the hospital I formerlly worked, you have to Scan the bar codes of meds, including the narcs. And my success rate was documented as being LOW, and at times I cut corners ( you know, in a hurry)!

I hired a lawyer right from the get go BEFORE I met iwth this Pit Bull, and I had my wonderfull lawyer with me on 12/ 2 before a formal hearing and I got a letter on 12/16 stating my case was CLOSED!! If I had not hired a lawyer, the outcome might have been assuredly different.. So, they can and DO refer nurses, anyone can refer a nurses practice to the BON!! I am proof, it sucks and I spent 3 K, but so glad I did!!

comp · Jan 6, 2011

It's sad they take such a punitive approach to addictive and psychiatric disorders. They'd save a lot more people if they followed their mission statement, but they are a for-profit company after all. Another thing I've noticed is they send reps to doctor's offices and teaching institutions giving biased information about their program. I now see health care workers who are afraid of seeking help because they know there is no longer a patient provider confidentiality that's legally upheld when HPRP gets involved. Providers are encouraged to turn over patients to HPRP, which obviously has a negative impact on patients coming forward. I'm thinking of a class action law suit. Is there a lawyer that may be interested in this?

bezany · Jan 10, 2011

most of the state programs for addicted professionals are in place to first protect the public and second to assist the professional in recovery. In the old days you just lost your license or the public was left at risk. I am grateful for the chance to keep my license and work safely within the confines of IPN. Do mistakes happen, probably occassionally, gosh us humans just cant seem to get it perfect. But some addicts slip through as well, i did for many many years. Better to err on the side of caution, as important as our well being is, our patients have entrusted us with theirs.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 13, 2011

nursing boards will usually work with you! you'd be surprised

True, many will work with you...but the fact remains is that the BON is not the nurse's friend. They are out to protect the public first and foremost; the nurse's interests come second, if they are considered at all.

I tell anyone that anytime they have to deal with their BON--monitoring programs included--that they should not attempt to do so without legal counsel. Yes, a lawyer is an expense that might not be easily afforded...but having a lawyer means that there is someone that is putting YOUR interests first and foremost. As savgal1211 stated, it could make a big difference in the outcome. And this is true whether you're wrongfully accused as she was and need to defend yourself, or in fact you do need to enter into a recovery program and want to take steps protect your well-being and license.

maryner · May 17, 2011

I just had my case closed with hprp, what can I do?

mona1023 · May 17, 2011

Was it closed due to noncompliance? In my state, case closure for noncompliance with our monitoring program results in suspension for a period of time. The only way I have ever seen anyone's license reinstated is to sign a new Recovery Monitoring Agreement or contract (which means you start over) and must be in full compliance for a set time period before you can apply for reinstatement. The BON in my state is very punative so the time periods are getting longer. No more 3months suspensions. I have seen some that were as long as 5 years.

Hopefully, your case will be different. Good luck!

maryner · May 21, 2011

also how long does it take after case closure from hprp to have my healthcare license formally suspended by the bureau of healthcare professions