Pubdate: Fri, 19 Jul 2002
Source: Indianapolis Star (IN)
Copyright: 2002 Indianapolis Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.starnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/210

NURSES' RECOVERY PROGRAM ON TRACK

Our position: Indiana's system for monitoring nurse conduct has made huge 
strides in the past year.

More than 100,000 registered nurses and practical nurses are licensed to 
practice in Indiana. Experts believe that 6 percent to 15 percent of them 
are impaired by drugs or alcohol. If those figures are anywhere near 
accurate, more than 6,000 nurses in the state are substance abusers and 
their patients may be at risk because of it.

The possibility is worrisome, but less so now than any time in the previous 
three years. Overseeing the system under which nurses with abuse problems 
are identified and monitored is the Professional Recovery Monitoring Corp. 
The Michigan-based group has been operating the system since July 1, 2001, 
when it replaced Dr. D. Kete Cockrell. At that time, Cockrell's three-year 
contract with the state expired and his bid for an extension was rejected. 
With very good reason, as an investigation by The Indianapolis Star 
demonstrated.

The investigation, reported in November 2000, uncovered numerous problems 
with the state's system under Cockrell's direction. He was found to have 
failed to meet key terms of his contract. In addition, the Indiana Health 
Professions Bureau added to the system's problems by not informing nurses 
of suspension and probation orders in a timely manner. To all appearances, 
the system was loose, inefficient and uncooperative.

The inquiry revealed a backlog of cases needing investigation; instances in 
which nurses with a history of abuse were still working in health care 
settings; and frequent failure to randomly test admitted offenders. 
Cockrell's reports were found to be sporadic and lacking documentation. Nor 
did he follow through on creating educational programs to inform nurses and 
employers about confidential monitoring and rehabilitation.

By contrast, the current overseer seems very much in charge. More than 200 
nurses have applied for treatment and supervision since last July. 
Additional staff has been hired to handle the load. All told, more 
referrals have been made in the past year than in the three previous years 
combined. Monitoring of treatment and compliance is strict. And detailed 
monthly and quarterly reports have been made to the state nursing board.

There are solid indications that more nurses are seeking and getting help 
in overcoming abuse. That is good for them and the state. Salvaging their 
careers holds a double promise: a lessening of the nursing shortage and 
renewed confidence in the quality of care given sick and vulnerable patients.
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MAP posted-by: Ariel