The Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) is a voluntary program for RNs and LVN’s who have concerns related to substance use or mental health. The philosophy behind the program is substance abuse and psychiatric disorders are treatable medical diagnoses and that recovery is possible with the proper treatment and education.
If you suspect you have a problem, we encourage you to reach out to TPAPN here.
TPAPN Program Overview
TPAPN is an approved peer assistance program under the Texas Health and Safety Code. The program provides nurses the opportunity to demonstrate their good recovery and safe nursing practice through formal peer monitoring.
TPAPN staffs Case Managers specialized in substance use disorders and/or psychiatric disorders who do the following:
- Offer information, support, and opportunity for nurses who are referred to the program.
- Acts as liaison between participants, treatment providers, advocates, and employers.
- Monitor participants’ work performance, program adherence, and progress in recovery.
- Provide education for advocates, employers, and participants.
Program participants must by assessed by a TPAPN-approved health care provider. Approved health care providers include licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) or other addiction specialist for substance use disorders and psychiatrist for psychiatric disorders. Use of a TPAPN participating assessor may be required in some case. Also, the program may require a participant to obtain a second opinion from another approved provider.
Participants are required to successfully complete appropriate treatment and to follow treatment and continuing care plans recommended by treatment providers. The costs associated with assessment and treatment are the responsibility of participant. Participants not successfully completing treatment may be dismissed from TPAPN.
TPAPN is a program of the Texas Nurses Foundation, but it operates independently of the Texas Board of Nursing (BON); however, TPAPN maintains a service contract with BON and works cooperatively with the Board. There are certain circumstances when a TPAPN participant’s identity may be reported to BON. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, when a participant has a positive drug test, withdrawals or is dismissed from the program, or somehow endangers patients.
Learn more about the program in the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses Participant Handbook.
Complaints Filed Against Nurses with the Texas Board of Nursing
The Texas Board of Nursing investigates complaints involving allegations of drug or alcohol abuse by nurses. If you are under investigation for drug or alcohol use, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced nursing license defense attorney experienced with handling drug and alcohol use allegations with the Texas Board of Nursing.
Our law firm helps professionals, like you, keep their licenses when those licenses are under attack by a state agency or board.
If you have received a licensing complaint, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We represent licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. Our honest, experienced attorneys will fight aggressively on behalf of your license and reputation.
If you have questions or need to speak with an attorney about professional license defense, please call (512) 476-5757 or click here to contact us.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
