Thousands of nurses throughout the state of Florida have participated in the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) since it was established in 1983 as an alternative to disciplinary action for nurses with substance abuse problems. Some have benefited from the program, but many nurses have not.
They may have entered the program voluntarily when pressured by employers, believing it to be the only way to avoid disciplinary action against their nursing license, and then realized how expensive, restrictive and damaging to their career it was. If they left the IPN program before completing the terms of their contract, they were most likely reported for non-compliance and then faced the negative consequences of Board action being taken against their nursing license.
Fortunately for nurses who are not seriously impaired, Florida IPN is not the only alternative for nurses accused of substance impairment. There are other options that can help nurses avoid disciplinary action without the onerous expense, time commitment, ongoing monitoring and employment restrictions of the IPN program.
How a Nursing License Defense Attorney Can Help Protect You
If your employer or the Florida Board of Nursing (BON) has suggested IPN as a way to avoid licensing action, it’s important to realize that you may have other options. There are less intrusive, less expensive alternatives that can still enable you to keep your nursing license, and your attorney can help negotiate for these options. If, on the other hand, it appears that Florida IPN is the best program for you, your attorney may be able to negotiate an agreement that is less restrictive and less expensive than standard Florida IPN monitoring agreements.
The main point is to get advice from an experienced Florida nursing license defense attorney as soon as possible, preferably before you contact IPN Florida and before any licensing action begins. If you can show your employer or the Board that the reported incident was an isolated situation, that you are safe to practice nursing, that you do not need active supervision, and that a lengthy period of monitoring would not benefit you, then you are in a good position to keep your nursing license and your job without enduring the restrictions, expense, and long-term monitoring of the standard Florida IPN contract agreement.
Florida Nursing License Defense Attorney Jonathan Rose Is Committed to Helping Nurses Accused of Substance Abuse
Attorney Jonathan Rose has 20 years of experience as an attorney and will put his experience in healthcare law and defense to work helping you fight substance abuse allegations and protecting your career as a nurse. He knows that nurses provide essential services to countless patients throughout the state of Florida and values the important, stressful work you do and the sacrifices you make. He will fight aggressively to protect your reputation, assets, and career and help alleviate the stress of fighting accusations and complaints.
