Section 246-840-770. Approval of substance abuse monitoring programs.

The commission will approve the monitoring program(s) which will participate in the commission's substance abuse monitoring program. A monitoring program approved by the commission may be contracted with an entity outside the department but within the state, out-of-state, or a separate structure within the department.

(1) The approved monitoring program will not provide evaluation or treatment to the participating nurses.

(2) The approved monitoring program staff must have the qualifications and knowledge of both substance abuse and the practice of nursing as defined in this chapter to be able to evaluate:

(a) Clinical laboratories;

(b) Laboratory results;

(c) Providers of substance abuse treatment, both individuals and facilities;

(d) Nurses' support groups;

(e) The nursing work environment; and

(f) The ability of the nurse to practice with reasonable skill and safety.

(3) The approved monitoring program will enter into a contract with the nurse and the commission to oversee the nurse's compliance with the requirements of the program.

(4) The approved monitoring program may make exceptions to individual components of the contract on an individual basis.

(5) The approved monitoring program staff will determine, on an individual basis, whether a nurse will be prohibited from engaging in the practice of nursing for a period of time and restrictions, if any, or the nurse's access to controlled substances in the work place.

(6) The approved monitoring program shall maintain records on participants.

(7) The approved monitoring program will be responsible for providing feedback to the nurse as to the acceptability of treatment progress.

(8) The approved monitoring program shall report to the commission any nurse who fails to comply with the requirement of the monitoring program.

(9) The approved monitoring program shall provide the commission with a statistical report on the program, including progress of participants, at least annually.

(10) The approved monitoring program shall receive from the commission guidelines on treatment, monitoring, and limitations on the practice of nursing for those participating in the program.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. WSR 97-13-100, § 246-840-770, filed 6/18/97, effective 7/19/97.]

Chapter 18.79 RCW. WSR 97-13-100, § 246-840-770, filed 6/18/97, effective 7/19/97.