LEGAL/ REGULATORY ISSUE
Legal/Regulatory Issue Assignment
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Nursing 532: Healthcare Operational Planning and Management
1
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, LEGAL/ REGULATORY ISSUE
The Chemically Impaired Nurse
This paper will outline the process to be followed by nurse executives when there is
suspicion and confirmation of a staff nurse with chemical impairment and diversion of
medications from the healthcare organization. This paper will also discuss a state board recovery
program available to nurses with chemical dependency, and strategies implemented to improve
the quality of care and reduce costs associated with chemically impaired nursing staff.
Steps Related to Legal/Regulatory Issue
As nurse director of an organization steps taken to investigate suspicion of chemical
impairment of a nurse would start with a gathering of information of data and collection of
information regarding disciplinary actions against the nurse, in this instance two recent
medication errors within one weeks’ time. The nurse director should also document observations
of signs and symptoms of impairment. This can include a decline in the quality and accuracy of
documentation, attendance and time irregularities, somnolence, mood swings and isolation.
Additional signs and symptoms that may be observed are a consistently higher rate of PRN
narcotic administration compared to all staff, medication errors, and incorrect narcotic counts to
name a few (Eisenhut, 2017). An outreach to human resources can also help the nurse executive
become familiarized with policies and procedures regarding substance abuse and how to
proceed. Next, a formal discussion with the nurse expressing concern, discussing any observed
patterns and behaviors by the nurse executive providing the nurse with the opportunity self-
disclose their chemical dependency, self-report and seek treatment. Lastly, a call to New York
States Education Department is required as employers that have identified or suspect a nurse of
substance abuse must be reported to the state (Eisenhut, 2012). Throughout this entire process if
is of upmost importance to ensure the employees confidentially is maintained.
2
This study source was downloaded by 100000801755870 from CourseHero.com on 03-22-2022 07:46:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/31223362/Week5-Legal-Regulatory-Issue-finaldocx/
Legal/Regulatory Issue Assignment
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Nursing 532: Healthcare Operational Planning and Management
1
This study source was downloaded by 100000801755870 from CourseHero.com on 03-22-2022 07:46:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/31223362/Week5-Legal-Regulatory-Issue-finaldocx/
, LEGAL/ REGULATORY ISSUE
The Chemically Impaired Nurse
This paper will outline the process to be followed by nurse executives when there is
suspicion and confirmation of a staff nurse with chemical impairment and diversion of
medications from the healthcare organization. This paper will also discuss a state board recovery
program available to nurses with chemical dependency, and strategies implemented to improve
the quality of care and reduce costs associated with chemically impaired nursing staff.
Steps Related to Legal/Regulatory Issue
As nurse director of an organization steps taken to investigate suspicion of chemical
impairment of a nurse would start with a gathering of information of data and collection of
information regarding disciplinary actions against the nurse, in this instance two recent
medication errors within one weeks’ time. The nurse director should also document observations
of signs and symptoms of impairment. This can include a decline in the quality and accuracy of
documentation, attendance and time irregularities, somnolence, mood swings and isolation.
Additional signs and symptoms that may be observed are a consistently higher rate of PRN
narcotic administration compared to all staff, medication errors, and incorrect narcotic counts to
name a few (Eisenhut, 2017). An outreach to human resources can also help the nurse executive
become familiarized with policies and procedures regarding substance abuse and how to
proceed. Next, a formal discussion with the nurse expressing concern, discussing any observed
patterns and behaviors by the nurse executive providing the nurse with the opportunity self-
disclose their chemical dependency, self-report and seek treatment. Lastly, a call to New York
States Education Department is required as employers that have identified or suspect a nurse of
substance abuse must be reported to the state (Eisenhut, 2012). Throughout this entire process if
is of upmost importance to ensure the employees confidentially is maintained.
2
This study source was downloaded by 100000801755870 from CourseHero.com on 03-22-2022 07:46:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/31223362/Week5-Legal-Regulatory-Issue-finaldocx/
