Not abusing, medicating

I'm confused... If you have prescriptions for pain medication, what is the problem? You came up positive for opiates but if you have legal Rx I don't see why you would be reported for that. Need for details to clarify.

I too am confused. If you have a current and legal prescription there should be no issue. Did you forget to tell us something here?

Can u request your BON to send u a copy of the order they are saying they sent u that you didn't respond to? I know in Louisiana when our RNP sent letters like that they were usually registered (where someone had to sign it) and a copy of that letter and order would have stayed in your file.

Can u speak with an attorney?

Anne, RNC

what was the timeframe, from the med discrepancy, to fired, to employer reporting to the BON? Did they send it certified/receipt requested mail, or anything? I can't see how they can say you received something, which you didn't & your failure to act is now causing this license suspension. If they can't prove you received it, you should hopefully be able to get them to listen to you.

I agree with PP, speak with an attorney. Most will at least do an initial consult for free, if money is an issue.

Lots of members here have great input & advice, but need further info/clarification to have an accurate idea as to what to suggest. Utilize us/them (I don't know nearly as much as most!). Good luck, either way!

It's possible that the facility doesn't allow opiate use with or without a prescription. I'm not sure where people get the idea that an employer can't prohibit the use of certain prescriptions on the job regardless of a valid prescription. Many employers chose to only screen for illegal use, but in safety sensitive occupations such as direct care nursing they can also chose to screen for any medication that they consider to be potentially impairing, even if the employee has a valid prescription.

Can u request your BON to send u a copy of the order they are saying they sent u that you didn't respond to? I know in Louisiana when our RNP sent letters like that they were usually registered (where someone had to sign it) and a copy of that letter and order would have stayed in your file.

Can u speak with an attorney?

Anne, RNC

I agree with this advice. Definitely speak with an attorney. Something is missing in terms of your rights. Look through your paperwork in case you did receive the order and if not, by all means, get an attorney.

It's possible that the facility doesn't allow opiate use with or without a prescription. I'm not sure where people get the idea that an employer can't prohibit the use of certain prescriptions on the job regardless of a valid prescription. Many employers chose to only screen for illegal use, but in safety sensitive occupations such as direct care nursing they can also chose to screen for any medication that they consider to be potentially impairing, even if the employee has a valid prescription.

Yes, but that would have had to be in her contract agreement. If not, then I think she has a case. At least in terms of not being prosecuted for theft of a narcotic.

It's possible that the facility doesn't allow opiate use with or without a prescription. I'm not sure where people get the idea that an employer can't prohibit the use of certain prescriptions on the job regardless of a valid prescription. Many employers chose to only screen for illegal use, but in safety sensitive occupations such as direct care nursing they can also chose to screen for any medication that they consider to be potentially impairing, even if the employee has a valid prescription.

True, but that would have to be known by employee. and the fact that she has a script should help in her defense of theft.

OP, in my state, their matrix says that basically not responding and/or failing to continue to respond is the worst sin of all. That may explain the suspension.

That being said, in my state any formal communication in writing from the BON is mailed using certified mail. That has a tracking number on it and you must sign for it. I can only assume it is to eliminate those that outright lie or have convenient memory lapses over communication with the BON. When I see the disciplinary actions in my state, they make it known that they sent communication via certified mail on xx-xx-xxxx . Can you ask them about this?

Additionally, you are sure the first/only communication from the BON didn't mention the assessments and their due date, regardless of your response?

It's possible that the facility doesn't allow opiate use with or without a prescription. I'm not sure where people get the idea that an employer can't prohibit the use of certain prescriptions on the job regardless of a valid prescription. Many employers chose to only screen for illegal use, but in safety sensitive occupations such as direct care nursing they can also chose to screen for any medication that they consider to be potentially impairing, even if the employee has a valid prescription.

Even if that's the case, it still doesn't explain why she would be reported to the board.

Even if that's the case, it still doesn't explain why she would be reported to the board.

People in my monitoring program report stuff like this from time to time. I guess if there is other "suspicious" activity...a clean UA or a script for a dirty UA doesn't mean someone ISN'T diverting. Just that they are selling the pills or taking pills that they conveniently also have a rx for. A one time discrepancy seems like overkill but maybe the facility has been burned in the past or the OP has had complaints that they aren't aware of.