VRP help

[OllieRN]

Recently someone very close to me was forced to enter PA's VRP program. Let me explain..... 8 years ago this person received a DUI in the state of Ohio. This was during his first college degree program. After his first college degree, he went back to school to an accelerated BSN program. After successful completion of that program, he was told by the state of Ohio that he had to be monitored d/t his DUI for 15 months. He finished his 15 months for Ohio, and life went on. A few years later, this person was accepted into a CRNA program in the state of PA. He received his PA nursing license, although it took a month, but with no questions. When he applied for his license, he submitted all of his Ohio paperwork for the 15 months of monitoring he had completed d/t the DUI. Let me stress this before I go any further........THIS PERSON DOES NOT HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM!!!!!! Anyway, he started his CRNA program, and after a year he had to renew his PA license. Again, he received his renewal license no problem, no questions asked. About a month after receiving his renewal license, he received a packet from the state saying "we feel you are an impaired provider and must immediately stop practicing." Long story short, after seeking legal advice, he was forced to enter the VRP program. He is back in school for his CRNA program full time after having to sit out for 6 weeks. As many of you know, a CRNA program is very intense. He is a full-time student with 5 days a week in the OR, 3 nite classes and 24 hour call. On top of studying for tests, and daily care plans, he has to go to weekly group meetings for addicts, 2xs a week AA meetings, and random drug screenings. Not to mention all the paperwork that goes into the program as well as the financial burden of all of this. Again HE DOES NOT HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM!!!! It is so unfair and a waste of resources for someone that does not have a problem. He has been cleared by a state selected counselor that indeed he does not have a problem, and yet he still has to do this!! If anyone can help, or has been thru a similar situation- not having a problem and being forced into this VRP program, please respond to this. All we hear is how tough it is to complete this program. We are scared about his future!!! How is this going to affect his employment, will he be able to sit for his Crna boards, so many questions!!! Thank you in advance!!!!!