TPAPN - When Not to Go

I have written many times on all of my blogs regarding the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses. However, I have been receiving questions from nurses regarding whether they should go to TPAPN because they have been accused of diverting medication or because they have had a positive drug screen or because they are a recovering addict. Each case is different and there is no set answer, so a nurse should contact an attorney with experience before the Board and find out what option is the best for their situation. But, please do not agree to TPAPN if you do not have chemical dependency problems or if you are not an addict. And, do not agree to TPAPN if you do not understand what you will be required to do and not do while in TPAPN.

Do not believe a blanket statement such as "If you do not enter TPAPN, the Board will take away your license." Do not enter TPAPN just to avoid the Board - once again, TPAPN is for nurses with addiction issues or substance abuse/dependency problems and for nurses that are new to recovery or that have relapsed. TPAPN is not for nurses with a past history of addiction, but that have years of recovery.

In summary, do your research, understand your options and then take action, but make sure it is action based on knowledge, not fear.