Select Page

According to Wikipedia: A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government, such as illicitly used drugs or prescription medications that are designated a Controlled Drug.

If you are a nurse in the state of Texas, it is important to be aware that the consumption, or possession of illegal controlled substances, may jeopardize your nursing license.

Prior cases that have been brought in front of the Texas BON have involved the use of controlled substances.  It is important to have a clear understanding of what is classified as a controlled substance.

The federal government considers a controlled substance as any of the substances listed in the schedules of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA). The schedules are broken down into five categories:

  • Schedule I – These substances have no accepted medical use, are unsafe, and hold a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, LSD, marijuana, peyote, and ecstasy.
  • Schedule II – These narcotics and stimulants have a high potential for abuse and may cause severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include: Dilaudid, methadone, Demerol, OxyContin, Percocet, morphine, opium, codeine, amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), and methamphetamine
  • Schedule III – These are substances that have less potential for abuse but can still lead to moderate or low physical dependence and high psychological dependence. They include Vicodin, Tylenol/Codeine, Suboxone, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.
  • Schedule IV – These substances have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs, and include Xanax, Soma, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, Versed, Restoril, and Halcion.
  • Schedule V – These substances contain limited quantities of narcotics, including cough syrups that contain codeine.

There are controlled substances that may have been lawfully prescribed by your primary care physician and are imperative to your health, however, illegal possession or use of controlled substances may cause disciplinary action from the Texas BON.

Consult a San Antonio Nurse Attorney Today

If you are a co-worker has been approached by the Texas BON for disciplinary action due to use or possession of controlled substances, consult a San Antonio nurse attorney by calling or texting attorney Yong J. An at (832) 428-5679.