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 American Nurses Association estimates approximately 10% of all nurses in the United States are dependent on drugs. If you suspect you have a problem, we encourage you to reach out to TPAPN here.
The program is confidential (with certain limitations) and designed to help Texas licensed Nurses, not to punish them.
TPAPN & the Texas Board of Nursing
TPAPN maintains a service contract with the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Further, a TPAPN participant’s identity may be reported to BON, and will be reported upon:
- Withdrawal from TPAPN.
- Dismissal from the program for any reason.
- A positive drug test screen.
- Nonadherence with the TPAPN agreements.
- Demonstration of behaviors inconsistent with good recovery.
- Endangering patients or compromise patient safety.
- Court order.
Threats of Expulsion from the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN)
If you voluntarily withdraw from TPAPN or are expelled, you are at risk of possible disciplinary action from the BON. A program participant may be dismissed from TPAPN for the following reasons:
- Failure to abide by the terms and conditions of participation.
- Moving out of Texas.
- Subsequent allegations of nursing practice violations or a subsequent complaint filed against them by the nursing licensing board.
- Having a felony charge filed against him or her, being convicted of a felony, or receiving probation or deferred adjudication relating to a felony charge.
- A determination by TPAPN that the participant is exhibiting behaviors inconsistent with good recovery or is not capable of performing safe nursing practice.
- Determination that the participant is medically incapable of adhering with the terms of participation.
- Failure to obtain and sustain employment in nursing prior to the participation agreement end date.
- Failure to notify the Case Manager of employment in nursing, failure to obtain job approval from Case Manager or failure to complete a TPAPN Work Agreement with employer before commencing nursing practice.
- Inability to maintain stable employment
If I am Dismissed from TPAPN, Can an Attorney Help Me?
Yes. An experienced Nurse License Defense Attorney can advocate for you and ensure your rights are protected. Your attorney can communicate with TPAPN on your behalf and fight for your opportunity to continue in the program on fair terms.
Further, it is not uncommon for TPAPN participants to be dismissed from the program and transferred into the disciplinarian department at the Texas BON. In you are up against disciplinary action from BON, a Nurse License Defense Attorney can defend you and your right to practice nursing in Texas.
Defending Against A Complaint Filed 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 contact us here.
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