Definition of impairment

The definition of "impairment" differs across professional organizations and from state to state. Some states cite only substance abuse in their definition of nurse impairment. Other states list substance abuse and mental health issues. Still others list substance abuse, mental health issues and physical condition.

State law is dynamic, it is important for the individual nurse to regularly review her/his Nurse Practice Act and Board of Nursing administrative rules.

• American Nurses Association (ANA) definition of impairment: performance adversely affected by "mental or physical illness, fatigue, substance abuse or personal circumstances" (2015).

• The Joint Commission™ requires health care organizations to have in place a process of education and prevention of physical, psychiatric, and emotional illnesses as well as facilitation of confidential diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of potential and actual impaired healthcare professionals.

• Florida statute Title XXXII, Chapter 456.076 (e) states “Impairment” means a potentially impairing health condition that is the result of the misuse or abuse of alcohol, drugs, or both, or a mental or physical condition that could affect a practitioner’s ability to practice with skill and safety.

• Illinois statue defines as "Impaired nurse" means a nurse licensed under this Act who is unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety because of a physical or mental disability as evidenced by a written determination or written consent based on clinical evidence, including loss of motor skills, abuse of drugs or alcohol, or a psychiatric disorder, of sufficient degree to diminish his or her ability to deliver competent patient care."

• Ohio law, "authorizes the Board to discipline a licensee for impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of the use of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances . Section 4723 .28 (B)(10) , ORC, does not depend on whether or not marijuana was legally obtained, however, “impairment” must be shown. Thus, even if marijuana were to be legalized in Ohio and/or legally obtained, observed impairment on the job would constitute a basis for disciplinary action, as is the case with alcohol impairment."

Instant feedback

References:

Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements (2015). American Nurses Association. Silver Springs, Maryland.

©RnCeus.com