government discrimination against recovering addicts and alcoholics

75 Letters and Emails Sent So Far

government discrimination against recovering addicts and alcoholics

In 1980, the OIG created an exclusion list to prevent individuals who had defrauded the government from participating in federally funded programs. This seems logical.

However, in 1997, this list was expanded to include any health care individual who lost their license (regardless of the reason). The majority of these individuals suffer from the disease of addiction and I believe a loss of a license is punitive enough. Apparently the governement did not agree. It is very obvious that this is prejudicial and perpetuating the stereo type that addicts are "bad and untrustworthy" people.

The boards do not tell you of this list or the ramifications(i.e. these people are banned from an entire industry).

The ADA states that no emplyer can discriminate against an employee because they are in recovery so how ironic that the government can ban these same individuals from an entire industry?

I am asking that we go back to what this list was intended to do, save it for unscrupulous people who intentionally defrauded the government. Quit punishing diseased and disabled individuals for profit.

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December 19, 2011    link
Ariel J. from Waterloo, IA signed.
December 10, 2011    link
Someone from Waterloo, IA signed.
December 10, 2011    link
Someone from Oran, IA signed.
December 10, 2011    link
SHARON H. from Waterloo, IA writes:
This discrimination is very revolting and NO ONE SHOULD BE punished for past mistakes. After all, WE are all humans.
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December 10, 2011    link
Rachel H. from Waterloo, IA writes:
I am an RN that messed up because of my addiction. I am in recovery and am OKAYed with the Board of Nursing to work as a nurse again. I am in the process of getting my DEFERRED charge completely removed from my record. However, I cannot work anywhere in the healthcare field, not even as a housekeeper, for 4.5 more years!! It is a ridiculous law that isn't doing what it's supposed to do and is only ruining lives of recovering addicts!!
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November 28, 2011    link
Someone from Santa Rosa, CA writes:
If the individual participated in rehabilitation, quit using illegal drugs or alcohol and regained their license, how can they be discriminated against for a past disability?
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October 15, 2011    link
Someone from Tullahoma, TN signed.
October 13, 2011    link
Valentino H. from San Angelo, TX writes:
Discrimination of any type related to personal characteristics is unacceptable. It is shameful when legislators do not adhere to the principle of equality among men.
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October 10, 2011    link
karen c. from Chillicothe, IL signed.
September 1, 2011    link
faith W. from Cocoa, FL signed.
June 29, 2011    link
Maren L. from Red Lion, PA signed.
June 18, 2011    link
Someone from Turner, ME signed.
June 13, 2011    link
Diane H. from Urbandale, IA signed.
May 24, 2011    link
D'Laine B. from Henderson, TX writes:
I've been in recovery since July 2009, and I am currently being harrassed in my position. My uncle is a physician and he has been in recovery for over 10 years - my dad - for 6 years. Addiction is treatable, but they would be dead, and I would be dead within a few short year if we had not had the courage to seek help. We continue with support from each other and our peers. OIG's holocaust. PERIOD. It is amazing. What revolutionary 1960's icon said, (very paraphrased) 'the difference between rebellion and revolution is organization'? anyone?
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April 2, 2011    link
wendi s. from Washington, PA signed.
March 23, 2011    link
lita j. from Starke, FL writes:
regarding sb1986. this law will stop rn from being licensed in florida if they have a felony charge in the last 15 years. How pitiful is this with the nursing shortage all over the us. These people are bettering themselves, and now this stopping all their hopes of becoming an rn. The bill is before the house, but am told it will die before it reaches the floor. How can this be possible when it affects so many people. Where is the help for people wanting to better themselves? please let the ammended bill pass.
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March 23, 2011    link
david j. from Starke, FL writes:
this law is unforgiving, for people that are trying to better themselves. I am an lpn and attending rn school, now it looks like i am never going to become an rn. due to this law.
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March 18, 2011    link
jen h. from East Lansing, MI signed.
March 14, 2011    link
Someone from Bangor, ME signed.
February 21, 2011    link
samantha p. from Lees Summit, MO signed.