Does anyone here know, with any degree of certainty, how the various State Boards of Nursing view the use of Buprenorphine (Suboxone/Subutex) for opiate dependence and/or addiction? Do they allow nurses who are in diversion/alternative to discipline programs for addicted nurses to use buprenorphine as part of their treatment plan? My first reaction would be that they would not approve of it and would actually state that if a nurse is using Suboxone/Subutex they would be practicing in violation of their Nurse Practice Act. But I don't know that for a fact. I believe that buprenorphine is saving many lives right now of opiate addicted individuals...giving them a much better chance at sustained recovery over the long term. It does not affect the mood, produces no euphoria and in fact, in my opinion, provides a good safety net against relapse. While on bupe, the opiate receptors are loaded and taking a full agonist opiate will provide no high to the user, thereby taking away the obsession to use. There are just so many good things about this treatment modality that I cannot believe it is not more widely accepted amongst the Boards of Nursing. I have heard that most if not all, BONs prohibit its use, but I'd like to know if anyone knows that to be a fact, either by their own experience or by reading about it somewhere. I'd appreciate any responses. Thanks a lot!
