Reported to BON because of eating disorder!?!?

[RoamFreeRN]

So I'm fuming right now...and scared.

The story in summary:I am a critical care RN with 4 years experience, working full time in a cardiac ICU. I have struggled with anorexia and bulimia since my teens, unfortunately never achieving full 'recovery' but a least periods of relative stability. I have taken time off work to receive intensive treatment, the last time being 1 1/2 years ago.

Currently I've been struggling more again, and yesterday had an assessment for treatment...hoping to do a weekday partial 'day' program that would not interfere with work (I work weekends). Well, this place's policies related to weight criteria are strict, and they will only recommend their residential program for me due to my weight (75% IBW). So now I'm looking into other programs that, although less ideal due to distance, will work with me OP. I have also seen my medical doctor this week, had labs/ekg, and shee aggrees a day program is in fact appropriate for me right now.

Anyway, the LSW who I talked to at the first place is now saying he he going to report me to the BON as an 'impaired professional', despite my medical doctor's clearance (she talked to him) and despite the fact that I am voluntarily/actively pursuing treatment. I've NEVER had any issues at work related to my health or the care I give.

Can I actually lose my license over this?! To me, I would think if I'm cleared by my doc and obviously seeking help, it should remain a private medical matter. But I'm worried and upset.

Thoughts?!

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

My thoughts exactly, Viva!!! Just my thinking, but it's just crazy to have to deal with the BON about something like this. I know in my 3 years in our state's program we had 1 RN that was in there strictly for ED issues - I know she fought it but I never heard the end result.

I hope it works out for OP!

Anne, RNC

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

Thanks for the replies.

I really think he's trying to scare/threaten me into their particular program. My doctor told me that during their conversation he said he probably wasn't going to do it right now...but then when I talked to him he brought I up again (it his 'ethical' obligation). So the crappy thing is now I have another thing looming to make me anxious, wondering if or when I might hear from the BON.

I feel like I should be reporting him for unethical behavior! He also called my mother...stated that this is an emergency! ReAlly?! Someone actively reaching out, plus cleared medically, is an emergency?! So mad.

Well, trying not to give up...hoping to be more 'on track' in recovery by the time I might be contacted, making him look foolish.

Oh, now that's just ridiculous! Emergency my orifice!!!!

Anne, RNC

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

You're at 75% IBW. You probably *are* working impaired, even if it doesn't feel like it. Doesn't make what almost happened to you right (and I'm glad that they apologized) but I do hope that you find the appropriate treatment that you're looking for. :)

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Well, update: today the VP of the facility contacted me, and actually apologized for all this. She said he is new, blah blah blah...I certainly gave her my complaints about this guy! She assured me no reporting will be going on, especially as I am actively working on trying to get better.

Technically I could go after him with a formal complaint...but a) I have enough going on for myself and just don't have it in me, and b) the VP assured me he'd be getting some words and further training.

My thoughts....get this is writing from the VP of nursing from the facility. It may not be a HIPAA violation if your state has mandatory reporting for ANY licensed professional that seeks treatment for mental health issues.

I wish you the best.....please get well.

[chrisrn24]

You're at 75% IBW. You probably *are* working impaired even if it doesn't feel like it. Doesn't make what almost happened to you right (and I'm glad that they apologized) but I do hope that you find the appropriate treatment that you're looking for. :)[/quote']

I agree.

On another note This is a mental health issue just like addiction, please seek proper treatment even if it means stepping away from work for a while.

[DawnJ]

I'm overweight. I wonder if someone is going to report me some day....

[amoLucia]

I'm overweight. I wonder if someone is going to report me some day....

TOUCHE!

[monkeybug]

My thoughts....get this is writing from the VP of nursing from the facility. It may not be a HIPAA violation if your state has mandatory reporting for ANY licensed professional that seeks treatment for mental health issues.

I wish you the best.....please get well.

That may not be breach of confidentiality, but calling her mother probably was.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

That may not be breach of confidentiality, but calling her mother probably was.

that is the interaction/action to which I was referring/....

[RoamFreeRN]

Firstly, thank you for the advice re: a written complaint. Makes sense.

Second...weight alone can not make someone impaired in my opinion. This weight is only slightly lower than what I've weighed for years...I've never been more than 84% IBW. I'm not saying its healthy...but I'm no more at risk because of my weight than a 350lb nurse working.

Yes...my behaviors do create risks which could interfere with my job. Currently they are not, though I know that's where I am heading if I don't turn things around.

Start a partial program on Tuesday...scared but ready to fight!

[amoLucia]

To OP - good luck with your struggles. I have my own on the opposite end.

[Sadala, ADN, RN]

I'd be speaking with the supervisor of the social worker. I would also see what your state's BON has to say about what does and does not have to be reported. Seems to me as though this could be a hipaa violation, particularly calling your mother.

Also, there are rules that govern mental health professionals, and they vary from state to state. Where I used to live, the number of things that a social worker could/should report were very few, mostly having to do with ongoing abuse/neglect of a minor, the elderly, or the disabled - or current threats to kill someone.