Impaired Nursing Licensees in the State of Illinois

 Posted on April 17, 2018 in Nursing License Defense

Studying to become a nurse takes a lot of time and effort. There are many hours spent working toward the Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. After the degree has been received, then the graduate will need to apply for a nursing license to be able to practice in his or her chosen field. If the licensee is impaired for any reason, then there are steps that need to be taken to settle the situation.

Mandatory Reporting for the Impaired Nursing Licensee

If a licensed nurse is impaired on the job because of the use of alcohol or drugs, or if he or she unlawfully possesses, uses, or distributes drugs while on the job, then the institution that has knowledge of these actions may report the licensed nurse to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. However, if the licensed nurse agrees to participate in a course of remedial professional counseling or substance abuse treatment, he or she may not need to be reported.

If the licensed nurse does not comply with substance abuse treatment or counseling, or if he or she resigns from employment for any reason, then the licensed nurse may be reported to the Division.

If the Division discovers and verifies extensive drug addiction of intoxication that negatively affects the licensed nurse’s professional performance, or if the licensed nurse is found to unlawfully possess, use, or distribute drugs, then the Division may decide to further discipline the licensed nurse.

When Is a Licensee Eligible for Treatment?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation may place an impaired licensed nurse in a counseling or treatment program when the following occurs:

• The impaired licensed nurse reports himself or herself to the Division before a complaint has been filed.
• The impaired licensed nurse must have no prior disciplinary action in any practice issues related to substance abuse.
• He or she has not been convicted of a felony or drug-related misdemeanor.
• He or she acknowledges chemical dependence or drug addiction.
• The impaired licensed nurse has appeared for an assessment by a physician who is a certified addictionist.

Call a Lisle, IL License Defense Lawyer

Working toward your nursing license takes much effort, and having the license taken away from you due to impairment is serious. If you have any further questions regarding your Illinois nursing license, it is best to consult a seasoned license defense attorney. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we understand your concerns and will do what it takes to defend your rights. To schedule a free consultation, please call a DuPage County license defense attorney at 630-310-1267 to discuss your case.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068013000A01200R.html

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068013000A01100R.html