Nurses in disciplinary monitoring who have to cont taking Rx'd narcs

crazin01 · Feb 15, 2016

After a injury, I was on long-term narcotics for years, managed with my other health issues with my PCP (after numerous treatment modalities were unsuccessful and the only further option was medications or surgery) and with a valid prescription and narcotic contract with my PCP. When I enrolled with monitoring program, I was told the program was 'completely abstinent based' and despite having a valid medical condition, appropriate treatment doctors and a valid prescription for said narcotic, I was not allowed to take, for the full term of my monitoring contract. I also had to discontinue use for neuropathy and muscle relaxer medications, PRN. After that is up, I imagine I could start again, but that's sort of silly at that point. If I'm 'functional' without for 5 years, why should I start again, simply because I can? Foregoing any unforeseen complications or further injury.

From what i understand, if I would have refused to comply with the abstinent program, I would have not been in non-compliance with the monitoring program and full action against my license would have ensued from the BON. I would have lost my license. Sorry, not sure if that's the answer you were looking for. I don't know a lot about the other states' programs, but would imagine most are similar to this. (I might be totally off here, but I'm in PA and from what I read/see on here and other sources, PNAP seems somewhat less stringent than other states, in regards to length of contract, evaluation by addiction specialist (addictionologist is an appropriate word, correct? I ask because the spell checker is highlighting it.)

Sorry again, not really able to offer further information. Good luck finding what you are looking for though.

:)

SororAKS, ADN, RN · Feb 16, 2016

It depends on the state and the particular med taken. Suboxone is not allowed in most states regardless.

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Feb 19, 2016

I know that Texas absolutely fits not allow it in their program

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Feb 19, 2016

Oops... meant to say. .. does not allow it

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Feb 19, 2016

Oops... meant to say. .. does not allow it

Not here in Louisiana either.

Anne, RNC

deltakappamu · Feb 23, 2016

I am in monitoring in Florida and I am on medication maintenance. (Methadone maintenance.) I think it is sort of "frowned upon," but I doubt they could legally ask me to stop taking it, so they just make it a little more difficult to jump thru the already imposed "hoops." I have to submit to more evaluations and do some sort of cognitive testing with a neurologist to make sure that my medication is not impairing me.