The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission recently adopted a Position Statement on substance use disorder and the nursing profession. The statement provides background and a framework for how the commission approaches nurses who may be impaired due to a substance use disorder. Including clarification of its voluntary participation track.
The Position Statement is presented in a user-friendly format suitable for use as a flyer, hand-out, or poster. Employers and associations may request educational presentations by contacting Washington Health Professional Services (WHPS) at 360-236-2880 or by email
*All requests for information or consultation are held in the strictest confidence*
Washington Health Professional Services (WHPS) is a confidential program for chemically-impaired health professionals. WHPS ensures early entry into recovery for the impaired practitioner while providing maximal protection of the public safety by:
- Identifying, assessing and monitoring healthcare professionals
- Attracting the professional on a self-referral basis
Print resources:
- Washington Health Professional Services information brochure (PDF)
- Washington Health Professional Services information poster (PDF)
Watch Substance Use Disorder in Nursing:
A Confidential Program for Chemically Impaired Professionals
One out of every 10 healthcare professionals experiences a problem with drugs or alcohol over the course of his/her career. All too frequently, chemical dependency jeopardizes the practices and licenses, and ultimately the public.
Fortunately, chemical dependency is treatable. Appropriate and effective treatment can save a professional's career, license and even his/her life.