Regulatory Management of Substance Use in High-Risk Nurse Populations

The regulatory management of nurses with substance use disorders has continued to evolve based on emerging evidence. In 2008, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing convened an interdisciplinary committee to review current literature and evidence and provide evidence-based recommendations on the regulatory management of nurses with substance use disorders. The committee also identified several populations at high risk for substance abuse or relapse. These populations include nurses being treated with prescription drugs, such as analgesics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, and potentially mind-altering drugs for such conditions as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, chemical dependence, and addiction. This article addresses the regulatory management of practicing nurses with this dual challenge of having a substance use disorder and a medical need to use drugs that can trigger relapse.