Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-13-.02 - Criteria For Eligibility

(1) In order to gain admission to VDAP, a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or first time applicant for licensure in Alabama shall:

(a) Hold an active license or a temporary permit to practice nursing in the State of Alabama.

1. An applicant for licensure by examination and a temporary permit who is requesting participation in VDAP shall sign a VDAP agreement before approval to take the Board-selected examination is granted. If the applicant does not pass the Board-selected examination, enforcement of the VDAP Agreement shall be stayed until passage of the Board-selected examination. If the applicant subsequently passes the Board-selected examination, the stay of the VDAP Agreement shall be lifted, and the applicant shall be required to comply fully with the VDAP Agreement.

2. An applicant for licensure by endorsement requesting participation in VDAP shall sign a VDAP Agreement before licensure is granted.

3. If the applicant has a multistate license, the applicant must consent to deactivation of the multistate licensure privilege. The applicant will not be eligible for the multistate license for the duration of the applicant's participation in VDAP The applicant will have a single state license.

(b) Have had no previous disciplinary action against the nursing license in any state or jurisdiction nor have been terminated from any alternative disciplinary program participation for noncompliance.

(c) Voluntarily request participation in VDAP.

(d) Admit to a substance use disorder or a physical or mental condition that renders the person unable to meet the standards of the nursing profession.

(e) Acknowledge in writing:

1. The extent of the condition or conditions leading to the voluntary request for participation in VDAP.

2. That his or her conduct is unprofessional and grounds for disciplinary action.

(f) Provide disclosure authorizations, releases of liability and any other records including but not limited to evaluations and treatment information as requested by the Board.

(g) Cease nursing practice until the:

1. Board recognized substance use disorder treatment provider provides a written opinion regarding whether the licensed nurse is ready to resume safety sensitive employment in the field of nursing.

2. Licensed nurse signs the VDAP Agreement for monitoring.

(h) Agree in writing to the terms set forth in the VDAP Agreement.

Notes

Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-13-.02

New Rule: Filed July 28, 1994; effective August 29, 1994. Repealed and New Rule: Filed May 20, 2002; effective June 24, 2002. Amended: Filed November 22, 2005; effective December 27, 2005. Amended: Filed August 20, 2010; effective September 24, 2010. Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXII, Issue No. 11, August 29, 2014, eff. 8/28/2014. Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVII, Issue No. 12, September 30, 2019, eff. 11/14/2019.

Author: Alabama Board of Nursing

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-21-25.