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Substance abuse is also drug abuse. It is the use of the drug in any amount in any way that is harmful to anyone. While substance abuse disorder is a person’s use of alcohol or a drug that generally involves behavior patterns and causes health issues or problems at work. If you are said to be under such circumstances, you need to seek help from a nurse attorney for assistance and defense.

At the time of the incident, the RN was employed as a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Denton, Texas, and had been in that position for five (5) years and nine (9) months.

On or about October 25, 2018, the RN engaged in the intemperate and/or unlawful use of Temazepam and Oxazepam in that she produced a specimen for a drug screen that resulted positive for Temazepam and Oxazepam. Unlawful possession of Temazepam and Oxazepam is prohibited by Chapter 481 (Controlled Substances Act) of the Texas Health and Safety Code. The use of Temazepam and Oxazepam by a Registered Nurse while subject to call or duty, could impair the nurse’s ability to recognize subtle signs, symptoms, or changes in the patient’s condition, and could impair the nurse’s ability to make rational, accurate, and appropriate assessments.

In response, the RN states that she was admitted to the hospital on October 10, 2018, for a toe injury, and received medications. And states that the positive drug screen is due to the medications she received while admitted to the hospital.

The RN was presented for a Forensic Evaluation with a polygraph component on July 2, 2019. An expert conducted the polygraph exam. Later on, the RN admitted about her use of alcohol and the expert states that the RN’s Substance Abuse Subtle Screen inventory (SASSI)-IV results indicate that there is a high probability that the RN has a substance use disorder. The highest scale on the RN’s valid Personality Assessment Inventory Profile is the alcohol scale. It also shows the alcohol has caused the RN significant problems and drug use has also caused problems. The RN qualifies for a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe. The RN’s alcohol use disorder undermines her ability to behave in accordance with the board of nursing standards. This also increases the probability that she would not consistently avoid behavior associated with unprofessional conduct.

The RN’s conduct can bring harm to any patient. As a result, the RN was subject to suspension by the Texas Board of Nursing. The information received by the Board has produced evidence and is sufficient enough for the Board to come up with its decision. The enforced suspension on the RN can be lifted if the RN will complete and comply with the terms of the Agreed Order. This RN’s situation can be avoided or prevented with the help of a nurse attorney.

The RN had failed in hiring a nurse attorney for the defense and faced such consequences. If only the RN hired help, the result would be different.

If you have been in the same scenario and wish to talk to a nurse attorney or if you have questions about the Texas Board of Nursing disciplinary process, you may contact The Law Office of RN License Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.