if your patient is a nurse can you report her drug use

If you suspect a nurse is abusing drugs, inform the nurse’s supervisor or physician. The abuse must be reported in order to protect the nurse, the patient, and the facility from further legal or liability issues.

Full Answer

Why is it important to report nurses with drug use problems?

Ultimately, the nurse needs to be reported to protect her/his life and patients’ lives who are in their care. Tips on reporting nurses with drug use problems here. ... Most people who went to school to become a nurse did it because they wanted to help others. Nurses are caring, compassionate and they put the needs of others first.

Should you report a fellow nurse or co-worker for drug abuse?

However, we need to realize the reason for reporting is to protect patients, not to punish a fellow nurse and co-worker. Let me provide an example from my own life to help explain. When I became addicted to narcotics, my co-workers suspected I had a problem, but none of them confronted me.

Do we need to report this nurse?

Our nurse manager, citing the physicians' notes on risk management's position, has told us that we do not need to, and should not, report this nurse. You have no responsibility to report the nurse, either to the police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, or the Board of Nursing.

What to do if a nurse is accused of drug abuse?

Report possible drug abuse to a supervisor. If the nurse denies she has a problem, you should report the nurse to your direct supervisor. Nurses must realize they need to report a nurse they suspect has a substance abuse problem because, in the end, the nurse and the patient’s life could depend on it.

When should a nurse be reported?

When there is a legal requirement to report under the Regulated Health Professions Act, you must do so within 30 days of the incident. In any event, we encourage you to submit the report as quickly as possible.

What happens when a nurse is reported to the board?

Once a complaint hits their desk, the board has to determine if the facts as stated in the complaint are a violation of the laws that govern a nurse's practice. If so, an investigation is initiated, and the nurse may respond to the allegations. The board then resolves the complaint. It may or may not require a hearing.

What is the nurse's role in reporting the suspected abuse?

For nurses being a mandated reporter means that it is a nurse's responsibility to report any suspicions of child or adult abuse or neglect. If the story just doesn't fit, the nurse needs to be suspicious. If the child or adult suggest they have been abused, the nurse needs to report.

What happens when a nurse has a substance abuse problem?

Once a substance abuse disorder is suspected, the nurse is typically placed on leave until an investigation can be conducted. The nursing leadership team and human resource leaders are required to, in most states, report the abuse to the Board of Nursing (BON) and the local police authority.

What is the most common reason nurses are disciplined by state boards of nursing?

The most frequent reason for discipline is practicing while impaired. SBNs set and enforce minimum criteria for nursing education programs. Schools of nursing must have state approval to operate.

Why do nurses get suspended?

A nursing license can be suspended or revoked due to accusations of unprofessional conduct, misconduct, dereliction of duty, gross negligence or incompetence in complaints brought by patients, coworkers or employers.

What is mandatory reporting in nursing?

Mandatory reporting is a term used to describe the legislative requirement imposed on selected classes of people to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, elder abuse and 'notifiable conduct' by another practitioner to government authorities.

What to do if a patient tells you they are being abused?

dostay calm and listen to them.offer them support.write down what they tell you using their own words.keep any evidence safe.get in touch with us or the police.dial 999 in an emergency.

What types of abuse are nurses mandated to report ATI?

Mandated reporting means timely making an official report to the authorities when a nurse suspects maltreatment, abuse is concurrently happening, a patient confides to the nurse that they are being abused, or the nurse witnesses an event or behavior that is suspicious of physical, mental, financial abuse, or ...

What happens if a nurse is accused of drug diversion?

You may be fired for failure to comply, but here's a news flash: if you're suspected of diverting, you're going to be fired anyway. Protect yourself and do not give the employer or the future BRN investigation all they need to unequivocally prove diversion.

What would happen if a nurse was caught diverting drugs?

Nurse could face arrest and criminal charges. 2. The nurse would be referred to a program where he or she could get help.

What happens to nurses who divert drugs?

Drug diversion occurs when medication is redirected from its intended destination for personal use, sale, or distribution to others. It includes drug theft, use, or tampering (adulteration or substitution). Drug diversion is a felony that can result in a nurse's criminal prosecution and loss of license.

What to do if a nurse suspects a colleague has a substance abuse problem?

Make sure the nurse knows you are concerned about patient safety as well as that nurses well being. If the nurse admits she has a problem, you need to listen to her and then follow through. A big mistake is keeping quiet because the nurse may promise to get help, but then doesn’t. You must make sure the problem gets addressed and the nurse gets help.

Why do nurses not report a coworker?

Some of the reasons nurses may fail to report a co-worker may include: friendship. guilt. loyalty. fear of jeopardizing their colleague’s nursing license.

Why do nurses need help?

Nurses with addiction problems need help. Most people who went to school to become a nurse did it because they wanted to help others. Nurses are caring, compassionate and they put the needs of others first. But, what happens when the nurse is the one who needs to be cared for.

Do nurses report substance abuse?

Nurses must realize they need to report a nurse they suspect has a substance abuse problem because, in the end, the nurse and the patient’s life could depend on it. You must not keep it under the rug.

Is addiction taboo in nursing?

Addiction as taboo among nurses. Unfortunately, a nurse with an addiction is considered “taboo” among their colleagues. Fellow nurses do not know what to do or how to handle it when they suspect a colleague has an addiction. Many nurses choose to remain silent about a nurse they feel may have a substance abuse problem.

Should nurses report drug use?

Nursing Code of Ethics: Should nurses report co-worker drug use? Reporting a fellow nurse you think has a substance abuse problem should be done in a caring, compassionate way. Ultimately, the nurse needs to be reported to protect her/his life and patients’ lives who are in their care.

What happens if a nurse falsifies information?

Any nurse who falsifies information relating to the practice of nursing or nursing licensure runs the risk of being "caught" -- possibly years in the future, should the nurse be reported to the Board and investigated for possible practice violations.

How does HIPAA protect patient privacy?

HIPAA protects patient privacy by forbidding healthcare providers from disclosing patient information for any reason otherthan treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. A report to the Board of Nursing would not fall into any of those categories.

Can a nurse report criminal conduct?

Should the nurse's conduct lead to a criminal conviction, including an adjudicated or probated sentence, this would be self-reportable (or could be reported by another entity, such as law enforcement authority). A question regarding criminal conduct is also on the renewal form.

Is a nurse admitted for an overdose of a substance?

The Texas Board of Nursing answered a similar query as follows: Whether a nurse is admitted for an overdose of a substance, or admitted secondary to some type of accident related to being under the influence of any mind-altering substance, the answer would remain the same.

Can illicit drugs cause heart attacks?

Some illicit drugs can interact with medications. Depending on the drug, they can also have negative effects like causing high blood pressure, insomnia, depressed mood, persistent nausea, heart attacks or irregular heart rhythms.

Is it better to disclose too much or too little to your doctor?

It’s always better to disclose too much than too little to your doctor. Even if you used drugs a long time ago in high school or college, it’s still a good idea to let your doctor know. They might want to do extra blood tests depending on what drug you use.

Can you take someone else's prescription?

We don’t advise taking someone else’s prescriptions. Something that’s safe in one person might be dangerous in another, depending on their medical history. However, it’s good for your doctor to know if you took someone else’s medication because if it worked for you and is a safe option, your doctor might prescribe it for you. ...

Can a doctor report drug use to the police?

No. Your doctor isn’t legally allowed to report drug use to the police. The only situations in which doctors can break confidentially is if there’s concern about someone seriously harming themselves or others. Our main focus is on your health and how to partner with you to improve your health.

What do nurses need to know?

Although not an inclusive list of your legal obligations when prescribing medications, this case illustrates that you should: Be knowledgeable about any medication you prescribe, including side effects; Do a careful assessment about any medications the patient is currently taking, including side effects, ...

How to prescribe a med?

Although not an inclusive list of your legal obligations when prescribing medications, this case illustrates that you should: 1 Be knowledgeable about any medication you prescribe, including side effects; 2 Do a careful assessment about any medications the patient is currently taking, including side effects, black box warnings and dosages; 3 Contact any other prescribers who are working with the patient when there is a question about any untoward developments the patient experiences after starting any medication, whether it is one you prescribed or one another provider prescribed; 4 Carefully and accurately document your assessments, actions, contacts and instructions to the patient; and 5 Remember that you may also face a disciplinary action by your state board of nursing for a violation of your obligations under your state nurse practice act.

What medication did S.H. see?

Patient S.H. saw a psychiatric nurse practitioner for her depression and was prescribed the antidepressant Lamictal. According to the NP, the patient was informed the medication could cause a rash and if that occurred, the patient was to stop taking the medication and call the nurse practitioner.

What should a nurse do when treating a patient?

Nurses should provide a calm, comforting environment and approach the patient with care and concern. A complete head-to-toe examination should take place, looking for physical signs of abuse. A chaperone or witness should be present if possible as well.

What is the mandate of a nurse?

As mandated, they are trained to identify signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and are required by law to report their findings. Failure to do so may result in discipline by the board of nursing, discipline by their employer, and possible legal action taken against them. If a nurse suspects abuse or neglect, they should first report it ...

Do nurses have a responsibility to care for victims of abuse?

Employers are typically clear with outlining requirements for their workers, but nurses have a responsibility to know what to do in case they care for a victim of abuse.

Should a nurse report abuse?

The nurse should notify law enforcement as soon as possible, while the victim is still in the care area. However, this depends on the victim and type of abuse. Adults who are alert and oriented and capable of their decision-making can choose not to report on their own and opt to leave. Depending on the state, nurses may be required ...

Do nurses have to be able to connect victims of abuse?

While not required by law, nurses should also offer to connect victims of abuse to counseling services. Many times, victims fall into a cycle of abuse which is difficult to escape.

How does drug diversion affect healthcare workers?

If so, you’re certainly not alone – drug diversion impacts an estimated 10 to 15 percent of all healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, medical technicians, home health aides, pharmacists and support staff. It also affects patients and their families in life-altering ways.

Why is reporting drug diversion important?

For these reasons, reporting drug diversion is critical to stopping it.

Who is responsible for investigating a diversion?

That supervisor or employer is responsible for investigating the incident. If diversion is confirmed, they are responsible for reporting the diversion to the appropriate law enforcement and regulatory agencies, as shown below. After reporting the incident to the healthcare worker’s supervisor or employer: ...

What is considered confidential in medical terms?

Confidentiality includes speaking with police, court testimony or anyone else unless the patient has signed a written release for release of information. Exceptions to confidentiality include, in the US, child abuse, elder/dependent adult abuse, or domestic violence.

What are some exceptions to confidentiality?

Exceptions to confidentiality include, in the US, child abuse, elder/dependent adult abuse, or domestic violence. Even in these cases though most clinicians work with the patient and encourage them to report the deeds themselve. Continue Reading. It depends upon the crime to which the patient allegedly confessed.

When is a therapist required to alert the authorities?

In those states, a therapist is required to alert the authorities, potential victim (s), or both, in cases where there is reasonable suspicion that a client intends to harm themselves or s. Continue Reading.

Do therapists have to inform the authorities?

Generally no, of course that will depend on the therapist. A therapist is legally required to inform the proper authorities if you are a danger to yourself or others. Interestingly it isn’t just therapists that have to follow that code of ethics, mental health workers are held to the exact same standard.

Can a therapist report a drug use?

In this case, a therapist could report your drug use if they thought your intent was suicide. In Florida, where I practice, a therapist is allowed (but not required) to break confidentiality in a duty to warm situation. Other than these two exceptions, confidentiality sacred. David McPhee.

Can a therapist disclose information?

Some of these laws vary by location, but most include that therapists may not disclose information except when it may involve the health and welfare of you or someone else. These exceptions may include if you confess to abuse of a child, or if you are contemplating committing mass murder or suicide.

Do therapists have to report illegal drugs?

This is a complex and nuanced area, but if you are simply using illegal drugs and are not a danger to self or others, there’s no obligation to report. Therapists cover the scope of confidentiality, normally in writing and verbally before you start.