A peer assistance program for registered nurses will identify, assist, and monitor professional colleagues experiencing mental health, alcohol, or drug problems that are or are likely to be job-impairing so that they may return to practice safe nursing.

1. (1) Additional criteria.

   1. (A) The program will provide statewide peer advocacy services available to all registered nurses licensed to practice in Texas whose practice may be impaired by chemical dependency or certain mental illness.
   2. (B) The program shall have a statewide monitoring system that will be able to track the nurse while preserving confidentiality.
   3. (C) The program shall have a network of trained peer volunteer advocates located throughout the state.
   4. (D) The program shall have a written plan for the education and training of volunteer advocates and other program personnel.
   5. (E) The program shall have a written plan for the education of registered nurses, other practitioners, and employers.
   6. (F) The program shall have a mechanism for documenting program compliance and for timely reporting of noncompliance to the board. Reports of noncompliance shall include information regarding registered nurses who have been reported in accordance with the requirements of Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4525a.
   7. (G) The program shall demonstrate financial stability and funding sufficient to operate the program.
   8. (H) The program shall collect and make available to the board and other appropriate persons data relating to program operations and participant outcomes.
   9. (I) The program shall have a written plan for a systematic total program evaluation.
   10. (J) The program shall be subject to periodic evaluation by the board or its designee.
   11. (K) Counselors utilized by the peer assistance program shall meet the minimum criteria for counselors as established by the board or its designee.
   12. (L) The program shall establish a plan to verify previous disciplinary action relative to impairment prior to admitting a nurse to the peer assistance program.
   13. (M) If there has been any prior disciplinary action by the board within five years or if the program determines that the nurse most likely has impaired practice but is inappropriate for the program due to other reasons, the program may report the nurse to the board.
2. (2) Contractual agreement. The approved program(s) will enter into a contractual agreement with the board to provide peer assistance services. Said contract can be withdrawn for noncompliance and is subject to annual review and renewal.

Source Note:The provisions of this §217.13 adopted to be effective September 1, 1999, 24 TexReg 4001.