PNAP case managers routinely contact nurses whom they think are impaired. Self reporting, DUI – ARD or convictions, or workplace complaints are the typical trigger. The goal is to secure PNAP/PHMP enrollment. 

During telephone conversations, PNAP and PHMP case workers make many representations.  Oral representations include assurances the nurse will be permitted to work, there will not be many therapy sessions, no inpatient treatment should be required, and it’s only a three-year program.

These representations are false. Only the specific PNAP monitoring contract terms control the PHMP/nurse monitoring program. The document states “this contract is to prevent any misunderstanding on my part concerning the terms specified under the contract and what to expect”.  Whatever the PNAP case worker stated to you to get you to quit your job, agree to an evaluation, sign medical releases, or simply admit medical conditions and issues was a con.

The PHMP/PNAP contract is drafted after the nurse receives an evaluation which finds an impairment warranting enrollment. The contract is the PNAP bait and switch process. A recent client was exposed to the telephone call verus written contract deceptive practice. 

The PNAP caseworker neither mentioned these items in passing nor included them in telephone calls.  Nothing was in writing, or emails, until the contract arrived. The terms included for this nurse:

1) Three weeks notice prior to quiting a job and/or seeking employment elsewhere,

2) Limits on nursing employment in specific designated practice areas without prior PNAP approval;

3) No employment as a temporary agency nurse without prior approval — which will not be given;

4) Follow up and make therapy and medical appointments deemed necessary by a physician, treatment provider, and PNAP case worker (now they are your doctor);

5) A minimum twelve months of group or individual therapy;

6) Agree to have one primary care physician aware of the monitoring requirements and that doctor be the only one permitted to prescribe any medication;

7) Allow your treating physician to communicate with the PNAP/PHMP case worker, signing medical authorizations instructing medical providers to release treatment regimens to PNAP;

8) Agree to regular attendance at AA or NA — in the beginning one meeting per day for the first 90 days of signing the agreement, and a minimum of three meetings per week thereafter. Proof must be provided by the 10th day of each following month.

9) If any therapist or designee stipulates the nurse to attend additional therapy sessions, group, family, or one on one therapy, the nurse must attend;

10) Enroll and successfully complete any clinical practice component and all continuing education program/courses;

11) Assume all financial responsibilities incurred, including but not limited to an administrative fee of $300 for registered nurses, $600 for certified registered nurse practitioner or certified registered nurse anesthetist; $100 annual fee for student or LPN applicant.

Call me to discuss your conversation with the PNAP case worker.