Mental health disclosure in CO

[hippymama80]

I was previously enrolled in an LPN program in IL. I had to withdraw due to his PCS as we could not afford to maintain residence in separate states. My husband is currently active duty and likely to be medically retired or discharged when he returns from deployment. We have decided, after 20 years of my forgoing a career while raising our special needs children, that he will remain home with our youngest two while I now pursue my goals. I am currently back to pre nursing level classes due to biology credits no longer being accepted due to them being 10 yrs old. I will be completing the required remaining prerequisites this summer and will subsequently apply for an RN program. I attended school in IL prior to my Bipolar diagnosis. I maintained a 3.7 GPA while caring for 3 children alone, and at that time, was symptomatic of my BPaD type II. In no way did my disorder at that time seem to affect me academically or in a clinical setting. I have never been hospitalized or deemed unfit for any job. I was finally diagnosed in 2009 and have been on a treatment plan of 200mg Lamictal and weekly therapy. I have been stable since 2010 with only very minor ups and downs which have not affected my ability to work or perform any functions. Now that I have a diagnosis and treatment for my disorder, will I be required to disclose my diagnosis to the school's nursing department prior to program placement or the state once the time comes for licensure? I feel, due to my lack of issues in the past regarding work performance and also while in my previous program, that it should not be something I should have to disclose. I fear discrimination may prohibit my advancing toward my goal of earning an BSN. Of course I also do not want to do anything that could, in the future, be deemed unethical by the state if I do not disclose. Does anyone have any experience with this in the state of CO? I have, I believe, found everything available regarding regulations on licensing for the state. I did not see anything pertaining to restrictions regarding licensing for those with a diagnosis. After reading what other nurses have experienced in states such as TX, I am worried how this will affect my future. Also, the aforementioned circumstances apply to my ADHD diagnosis. I am now on Vyvanse 50mg. I know I will have to disclose that as it will show on a UA. I hope that I am not treated as less than due to being medicated for ADHD or having a MH diagnosis. Any insight regarding CO and the treatment of students and professionals with MHI would be appreciated.

[SqrB3ar, BSN, RN]

I am unsure if your program can ask you this (will it violate HIPAA??) but if the board did, I would be honest. Falsifying information may result in not being granted a license. If you were being mistreated d/t your mental history, I'd take it up with an attorney. Mental illness is everywhere and you're one of the lucky few who knows about their dx. It'll also be helpful to show med and treatment compliance. MH disorders are so sadly stigmatized that it's very frustrating to me that society is like that, but with everything else going on in this world, I'm not surprised... Sorry I cannot be much of help.

[Brwade]

We have very similar situations. My plan is to not disclose anything unless I am asked directly. I have been stable for over 5 years.

I don't feel that my diagnosis will effect my career as long as I stay on my meds, which I plan on doing. Good luck to you! Sorry I can't give you any advice.

[hippymama80]

Thank you. I should have clarified in my original post that I would not lie if directly asked. My inquiry wasn't concisely targeted. I am wondering, if not asked directly, would non disclosure be problematic if somehow it was brought to light that I have a diagnosis? Given that I am stable and my previous work and academic history did not suffer due to diagnosis, does it still count as a disability? If it still does, then I would expect disclosure would be recommended if asked about any qualifying disabilities that could impact future performance. I in no way want to jeopardize my future by making the wrong choice.

[ktanderson]

I would double check with both the licensing board if they are allowed to ask that. I have bipolar and PTSD and receive minor accommodations from my college's disability center. Nothing that impede my actual learning or grasp of the material. They are not allowed to disclose my diagnosis to any instructors or reasons for the accomodation. When you get a job, you are NOT legally required to disclose any disability, ever.