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Important points for Alternative Program (AP)

The AP is a non-discipline, non-published program available to nurses who have the disease of chemical dependency. Any cost incurred through participation in the AP is the responsibility of the participant.

To be considered for the Program, the Licensee must speak with NCBON staff.  If Licensee is eligible for the AP, he/she will submit a signed statement prepared by the NCBON requesting consideration and indicating that he/she will not work in a licensed nursing position until approved to do so by the Board.

Within two (2) weeks of the date the statement is received at the NCBON, Licensee must submit the following evidence from a participating treatment facility:

  1. Initial assessment
  2. Confirmation of treatment start date
  3. Treatment plan

Upon signing the AP Contract, Section I: 

  • The nursing license is held in abeyance a minimum of three (3) months from the date the Licensee enters treatment.  At that time, Licensee is eligible to petition for reinstatement of the nursing license provided there is evidence of compliance with requirements of the Program. 
     
  • Licensee is required to follow all recommendations of the treatment facility.  Once Licensee has completed the initial phase of treatment, he/she is required to participate in Aftercare for one (1) year, which is a minimum of one (1) treatment meeting per week.  
     
  • Within ten (10) business days of signing AP Contract, Section I, Licensee is required to submit to random body fluid screens, as requested by FirstLab or the AP and to continue to do so for the duration of the program.
     
  • Licensee is required to attend a minimum of three (3) 12-step meetings each week.  After Licensee has been a participant in the Program for one (1) year, Licensee is required to attend a minimum of two (2) 12-step meetings each week until successful completion of the program.

 Upon signing the AP Contract, Section II: 

  • Licensee is required to submit to random body fluid screens, as requested by FirstLab, the AP, or his/her employer and to continue to do so for the duration of the Program.
     
  • The Licensee will be monitored from the date he/she returns to licensed nursing practice and until he/she has been employed in a licensed nursing position for three (3) years.  Any lapse in employment or noncompliance with program requirements may delay completion of the program.
     
  • All nursing positions held during participation in the AP must be pre-approved by the NCBON and work performance evaluations submitted as scheduled.  Licensees must work a minimum of sixty-four (64) hours per month in a licensed nursing position for employment to apply to the three (3) years of required licensed nursing employment.  Additionally, in order for Work Performance Reports to be acceptable, License must show employment at same facility for two (2) consecutive months during first year of return to licensed nursing employment and employment at same facility for three (3) consecutive months after one (1) year conditions have been lifted.
     
  • Upon return to licensed nursing practice, the following conditions are in place: 

         For a minimum of one (1) year: 

  1. Shall not work more than twelve (12) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period;
  2. Shall not work 11pm-7am;
  3. Shall not work more than eighty (80) hours in a two (2) week interval or more than forty-eight (48) hours in a seven (7) day interval;
  4. Shall not have access to controlled substances, including Nubain;
  5. Shall not work in critical care specialty areas and ER for at least one (1) year; and
  6. Shall work for at least one (1) year under the direction of an on-site RN or, with approval, under the direction of an on-site work monitor who is a licensed health care provider.

           For a minimum of two (2) years: 

  1. May not work as a CRNA;
  2. May not work for a staffing agency; and
  3. May not work in home health or hospice.              

Conditions may be extended in accordance with an Addictionologist’s Recommendation(s) or incidents of noncompliance. 

  • Any failure to comply with program requirements may result in termination of the contract.  If the contract is terminated, the nursing license is voluntarily surrendered for a minimum of one (1) year.  Licensee must submit evidence of a minimum of one (1) year of sobriety prior to petitioning for reinstatement.

If you would like additional information about the Alternative Program for Chemically Dependent Nurses, you may contact the Monitoring Coordinator using one of the following methods:

  • (919) 782-3211 Extension 257 
  • email abailey@ncbon.com or AlternativeProgram@ncbon.com  
  • write the Alternative Program For Chemical Dependency
     North Carolina Board of Nursing
         Post OfficeBox 2129
     Raleigh, North Carolina 27602

Click HERE to download a PDF version of the One Year Sobriety Notebook.