Intervention / Diversion

One of the two disciplinary programs created by the Board of Registered Nursing is the Intervention or Diversion Program.  The terms will be used interchangeably.  This program was designed for nurses who are in need of recovery.  It is confidential and two years after a nurse completes the program, the records will no longer be available. The nurse may voluntarily ask to be placed in Intervention and if accepted will follow the contract written by the Board until completion.  If it comes to the attention of the BRN that the nurse has violated the Nurse Practice Act the Board may offer the Nurse an opportunity to participate in the Intervention Program.  The nurse can choose to accept or decline this offer.

If the nurse declines the offer of the Board to participate in the Intervention (Diversion) Program a hearing will be set to discuss the case before the Board.  If, for whatever reason, the nurse does not attend this hearing, the nursing license will be revoked.  If the nurse wishes to continue a career in nursing they must be present for the hearing.  Keep the Board informed of your current address at all times or you may miss important BRN communication. The BRN discipline hearing is the nurse’s opportunity to present their case with evidence of a recovery program to the Board.

“The Intervention Program is a voluntary, confidential program for registered nurses whose practice may be impaired due to substance use disorder or mental illness. The goal of the Intervention Program is to protect the public by early identification of impaired registered nurses and by providing these nurses access to appropriate intervention programs and treatment services. Public safety is protected by suspension of practice, when needed, and by careful monitoring of the nurse.”  www.rn.ca.gov/intervention/whatisint.shtml

“For the Registered Nurse in the Program:

• Confidential consultation when considering entering the program
• Assessment and referral for appropriate detoxification or treatment
• Development of a rehabilitation plan for substance use disorders or mental illness
• Consultation with employers to assure a safe and smooth transition back to nursing practice for the nurse participant
• Random body fluid testing
• Referrals to local support services
• Encouragement, support, and guidance for the registered nurse in recovery as an effective alternative to disciplinary action, and determination that the registered nurse is able to resume nursing practice”

www.rn.ca.gov/intervention/whatisint.shtml

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There is a caveat to be aware of.  Although it is true that the nurse is protected by a privacy agreement while in the Intervention (Diversion) program, if the nurse, for whatever reason, does not successfully complete Intervention (Diversion), all information that was once deemed private becomes public knowledge. This includes all statements and private admissions that were made to “trusted confidants” while in Intervention now become public self-incriminating statements.

Intervention (Diversion) has a stronger inclination to guide and support the nurse in recovery while maintaining privacy with the concealment of records two years after the nurse has successfully completed the program.

Enforcement to designed to discipline the nurse’s license, regulate the completion of mandates, and provide information to the public regarding the nurse’s offences and discipline.  Discipline is the strong objective of Enforcement.

There has been a recent shift in the number of nurses in Intervention (approximately 400) as compared to Enforcement (approximately 1200).  One theory is that nurses are not informed of what Intervention is and of their options.  A nurse may receive a letter from the BRN offering Intervention without explanation of the devastating consequences that can occur should the nurse choose to not accept the offer.