The Diversion Program One of the many professional regulatory boards and bureaus existing within the Department of Consumer Affairs is the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Its main responsibility lies in licensing and regulating California’s registered nurses and these responsibilities come from the Nursing Practice Act. This act is composed of statures which give BRN the authority to manage a Diversion Program for registered nurses and other functions. This Diversion Program is a confidential but voluntary program for registered nurses where their substance use disorder or mental illness impairs their practice. Its goal is to protect the public with the early identification of impaired registered nurses and by providing these nurses access …show more content…
For example, any untreated major depression problem seriously effects any person. Unfortunately, most of the people who suffer from these mental illnesses or substance use disorder deny they have a problem. In fact, most of the time, they are the last to recognize they have a problem, and admit that they need help. Any mental illness or substance use problem which is left untreated eventually jeopardizes the patient’s safety and health, and even threaten the afflicted person’s life. It is very important that people who detected mental health or substance abuse problems in a registered nurse take action. Without any intervention, these diseases can lead to predictable outcomes and courses. It is the aim of the BRN’s Diversion Program to identify the symptoms and then intervene and change the outcome. Moreover the Diversion Program also provides a good substitute to the traditional disciplinary procedure. Eligibility Eligible registered nurses are those who are: • Suffering from mental illness or abuse alcohol or drugs so much that it affects their nursing …show more content…
It is successful, proven by the more than 1,900 registered nurses who have successfully completed it. A nurse with a substance use problem should show a lifestyle change supporting continuing recovery and should produce at least 24 consecutive months of clean, random tests of body-fluids to complete the Diversion Program. Nurses with a mental illness should also show they can identify both symptoms and triggers of the disease and should be able to take action immediately to prevent the disease from escalating. The Diversion Program is successful mainly because of the close monitoring of the participants for at least three years but more importantly, is attributed to the support, guidance and encouragement the nurses receive from other nurses. Confidentiality The staff of the Diversion Program are available for private consultations about possible referrals to the program. The law protects the confidentiality of the participants. So when a nurse enters the program, all information collected to help in developing a rehabilitation plan and any other related recorded information is kept