1. (1) American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria (ASAM Criteria): Current comprehensive criteria developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine for determining appropriate treatment recommendations for substance use disorders.
2. (2) Board-Recognized Substance Use Disorders Treatment Provider: An organized program for treatment of substance use disorders that meets criteria set forth by the Alabama Board of Nursing in 610- X-13-.04.
3. (3) Comprehensive Substance Use Disorder Evaluation: An evaluation conducted in an inpatient or structured outpatient setting over a period of three (3) to seven (7) days by a multidisciplinary team that includes assessment of the applicant or licensed nurse’s physical health, substance use, psychological and psychiatric functioning, family and social assessment, legal and occupational history, and gathering of collateral information from a variety of sources, to include board consultation, occupational information, and family and social information. Neuropsychological and cognitive testing, drug testing, and any other testing deemed appropriate by the evaluation team may also be included. At a minimum, the multidisciplinary team shall include a physician specializing in addiction medicine; a licensed psychologist who is qualified to conduct psychological and neuropsychological examinations and testing and render an opinion regarding the presence or absence of cognitive impairment; licensed physician(s), certified registered nurse practitioner(s), or physician assistant(s) who are qualified to conduct comprehensive physical and psychiatric examinations; and at least one licensed health care professional or behavioral health professional who has at least one year of professional experience in the treatment of substance use disorder in health care professionals. Members of the multidisciplinary team do not have to be employees of the board recognized substance use disorder evaluation provider, but the board recognized substance use disorder evaluation provider must ensure the availability and participation of the members.
4. (4) Continuing Care/Aftercare: Sessions conducted by the substance use disorder treatment provider one (1) time per week for a MINIMUM of one (1) year after the completion of treatment. If the substance use disorder treatment provider does not conduct the aftercare itself, it shall facilitate the nurse’s enrollment in aftercare at a provider appropriate for the nurse.
5. (5) Mental Condition: A disorder meeting diagnostic criteria for Mental Disorder as defined in the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) (American Psychiatric Association). (American Psychiatric Association: Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association).
6. (6) Substance Use Disorder: A disorder meeting the diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorders (either Substance Dependence or Substance Abuse) as defined in the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) (American Psychiatric Association).
7. (7) Treatment Recommendations: The course of treatment recommended for a nurse, including recommendations for follow up care after completion of treatment. For treatment recommendations, based on a diagnosis of a Substance Use Disorder, treatment recommendations must utilize ASAM Patient Placement Criteria for level of treatment and services required.
8. (8) Voluntary Disciplinary Alternative Program (VDAP): A program authorized by the Alabama Legislature to promote early identification, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of any registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or applicant issued a valid temporary permit for licensure whose competence is found to be impaired or compromised because of the use or abuse of drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, chemicals, or other substances or as a result of a physical or mental condition rendering the person unable to meet the standards of the nursing profession.
9. (9) VDAP Agreement. An agreement signed by the VDAP participant setting forth the terms and conditions with which the VDAP participant shall comply during participation in the VDAP.
10. (10) Sponsor: A person in recovery from a substance use disorder who acts as an accountability partner with the VDAP participant and who is willing to be identified and to provide his/her contact information to the Board.

Author: Alabama Board of Nursing

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

History: New Rule: Filed July 28, 1994; Effective August 29, 1994. Repealed and New Rule: Filed May 20, 2002; effective June 24, 2002. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 20, 2010; effective September 24, 2010. Amended: Filed July 24, 2014; effective August 28, 2014. Amended: Published July 31, 2024; effective September 14, 2024. Amended: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.