PDFWAC 246-840-780
Conditions for participants entering the approved substance use monitoring program.
(1) Any nurse participating in the substance use monitoring program must:
(a) Undergo a complete substance use disorder evaluation. This evaluation will be performed by health care professional(s) with expertise in chemical dependency.
(b) Enter into a monitoring contract with WHPS which includes, but is not limited to, the following terms, which require the nurse to:
(i) Undergo any recommended level of treatment by a board-designated licensed treatment provider, including continuing care;
(ii) Abstain from all mind-altering substances including alcohol and cannabis except for medications prescribed by an authorized prescriber, as defined in RCW 69.41.030 and 69.50.101;
(iii) Cause the treatment counselor(s) to provide reports to the approved monitoring program at specified intervals;
(iv) Attend peer support group, or self-help group meetings, or both as specified by WHPS;
(v) Complete random or for-cause drug screening as specified by WHPS;
(vi) Comply with specified employment conditions and restrictions as defined by the monitoring contract;
(vii) Agree in writing to allow WHPS to release information to the board if the nurse does not comply with any contract requirements or is unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety;
(viii) Pay the costs of any required evaluations, substance use treatment, peer support group, random drug screens, and other personal expenses incurred in relation to the monitoring program;
(ix) Sign any requested release of information authorizations.
(2) When referred to WHPS in lieu of discipline, the nurse must enter into a referral contract with the board. The board may take disciplinary action against the nurse's license under RCW 18.130.160 based on any violation by the nurse of the referral contract.
(3) A nurse may voluntarily participate in WHPS in accordance with RCW 18.130.175(2) without first being referred to WHPS by the board.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.010, 18.79.110, 18.130.175, and 2023 c 141. WSR 24-12-066, § 246-840-780, filed 6/3/24, effective 7/1/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.010, 18.79.110, 18.130.070, and 18.130.175. WSR 17-11-132, § 246-840-780, filed 5/24/17, effective 6/24/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. WSR 97-13-100, § 246-840-780, filed 6/18/97, effective 7/19/97.]