Need help from a Missouri nurse

[kat29]

Hello. I need to answer this question for a management class.

You suspect an RN is abusing drugs but have no real proof-what do you do?

I cant just use my own opinion because I have to cite something. My text says that may be mandatory to report this per the state's Nurse Practice Act. Ive looked up the NPA for Missouri but cant find anything about substance abuse. Can someone give me a hand with an answer?

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Check out the links to information on this page of the Missouri Nursing Board.

• http://pr.mo.gov/nursing-monitoring.asp

What you are looking for is information about "diversion" programs. Many state boards or professional organizations (the medical boards especially) have diversion programs for their members who are using drugs and alcohol in particular. They haven't broken any state practice laws, but they are endangering their patients. These diversion programs are usually entered into by nurses and doctors voluntarily. Some states have diversion programs for nurses who have stolen narcotics and the board feels that the nurse needs help, not punishment. Being in a diversion program allows a nurse to keep their license, undergo treatment for their addiction and work with some restrictions while their drug habit is monitored.