WAC 246-841A-830

(1) Any nursing assistant participating in the approved substance use disorder monitoring program shall:

(a) Undergo a complete substance use disorder evaluation. This evaluation must be performed by health care professional(s) with expertise in chemical dependency.

(b) Enter into a monitoring contract with the approved substance use disorder monitoring program which includes, but is not limited to, the following terms, which require the nursing assistant 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 substance use disorder monitoring program at specified intervals;

(iv) Attend peer support group, or self-help group meetings, or both as specified by the approved substance use disorder monitoring program;

(v) Complete random or for-cause drug screening as specified by the approved substance use disorder monitoring program;

(vi) Comply with specified employment conditions and restrictions as defined by the monitoring contract;

(vii) Agree in writing to allow the approved substance use disorder monitoring program to release information to the board if the nursing assistant 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 approved substance use disorder monitoring program;

(ix) Sign any requested release of information authorizations.

(2) When referred to the approved substance use disorder monitoring program in lieu of discipline, the nursing assistant shall enter into a referral contract with the board. The board may take disciplinary action against the nursing assistant's credential under RCW 18.130.160 based on any violation by the nursing assistant of the referral contract.

(3) A nursing assistant may voluntarily participate in the approved substance use disorder monitoring program in accordance with RCW 18.130.175(2) without first being referred to the approved substance use disorder monitoring program by the board.