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Put an end to The Pennsylvania Nurse Peer Assistance Program (PNAP)

Public Comments (626)
  • Jul 6th, 2015
    Someone from Stroudsburg, PA signed.
  • Jun 30th, 2015
    Someone from Philadelphia, PA writes:
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    I enrolled in PNAP in 2010 and thought that they were there to help. Unbeknownst to me I was in for the ride of my life. You are indebted to them emotionally and financially for years without warning. DONT sign up for this program. Do yourself a huge favor and retain counsel first. I wish someone would have warned me!
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  • Jun 27th, 2015
    Someone from York, PA signed.
  • Jun 26th, 2015
    Someone from Red Lion, PA writes:
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    I was in pnap and currently maryland bon program. Both started in 2010. I was suspended in PA for missing a drug screen. PA required you test at one of their "approved" sites. I work(ed) in Maryland at the time from 7 am to 7:30 pm. The closest "approved" site to my job was 80 miles away one way in Lancaster, PA. I arrived minutes after closing. I had left work that day due to a patient of mine that was not doing well. As a responsible nurse I remained late at work thus was unable to arrive to the testing site on time (unless speeding and breaking the law which can be construed as grounds for suspension from the program). The missed drug screen is reported as a "positive" drug screen and is reported publicly as "using a controlled dangerous substance" as grounds for the suspension. I did notify the Maryland program of the situation. Maryland did not further discipline me as I up until that point had complied with both programs. Maryland has continued monitoring me since the PA suspension. I will complete the Maryland program in 10/2015. This all began due to a custody dispute between myself and my ex-husband. The dispute was over my 2 daughters who were 14 and 16 at the time. My ex-husband's wife made an anonymous report to the PA BON and the Maryland BON in 1/2008 stating that I had been court ordered to submit to random drug tests. What she left out was I agreed to random drug testing by my ex-husband at his expense as a part of a custody stipulation that was incorporated into a court order. I have never been arrested, convicted, or been a part of a probation before judgement agreement for drugs or alcohol. I have never been fired from a job for drug or alcohol related charges and have never diverted drugs from any healthcare employer in over 10 years as an RN. I was placed in to the PA program since I declined entering the program voluntarily as advised by my custody attorney at the time. NONE of the previous mattered to the PA BON. I was actually told by the psychiatrist that evaluated me (and he stated if I ever told anyone this he would deny it) that I should NOT appeal the board's decision, that once they see the words drug use whether it is true or not they will put you on probation and that if I appeal it will be worse. I consulted an attorney for a fee of $300 to tell me the same thing. I voluntarily entered counseling at an outpatient drug treatment center (New Insights, York, Pa) as a means to determine if I was and addict/alcoholic. In addition stopped drinking alcohol. This all prior to the PA BON making their "decision". I have been sober since 11/2007. NONE of this mattered. Since then I have been turned down for liability insurance, denied acceptance to further my education to a Masters in Nursing, been financially and emotionally devastated. Despite all of this I have been blessed enough to have the Maryland BON on my side, and my employer on my side. There was one exception with my employer; my uni
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  • Jun 26th, 2015
    Someone from Red Lion, PA signed.
  • Jun 25th, 2015
    Someone from Philadelphia, PA writes:
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    This site shows text book signs of addiction at its worst. Everyone making excuses for the bad choices they have made. Take responsibility for your actions or you will fail. I have been in pnap for 3.5 years and am currently waiting for my letter. Not 1 blemish. Is it a pain in the ass? Yes. But I got myself into this mess and I've dealt with the consequences to get myself out of this mess. Grow up and take responsibility. It disgusts me reading these comments. Always someone else to blame for your problems. You messed up. Deal with it. Luckily you have pnap to give you the chance to still practice nursing. Good luck.
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  • Jun 22nd, 2015
    Someone from Bethlehem, PA signed.
  • Jun 19th, 2015
    Someone from Willow Grove, PA signed.
  • Jun 18th, 2015
    Someone from Waynesburg, PA writes:
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    I agree thee program is extreme received a DUI which I self disclosed & after refusing the program was told had to be cleared by a doctor whom they pay. He found that I am an alcoholic even after numerous people including my physician stated I had no addiction to alcohol. He deemed me unfit to practice nursing but I could practice safely if I entered into a 3 year year program which cost a fortune. I now have been placed on the inspector general list. At the time of my DUI I wasn't even employed so how did this at all affect my nursing license. I feel the state board bullies you into their money making program and if you don't cooperate then you lose your career & passion in life. Please help remove their injustice system
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  • Jun 17th, 2015
    Someone from Dover, PA writes:
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    This program absolutely needs to revisited. I believe 3 years of this program for receiving a DUI is astounding. There are thousands of people getting DUI's and they are not alcoholics. This is a great financial burden to bare for three years.
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  • Jun 8th, 2015
    Someone from Warren, OH writes:
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    i agree with everyone here. My life as a weekend drinker and recreational drug use was far better than it is now. They sucked me into their program by threatening my license if I didn't sign up for their program. I had no legal or work consequences. I called the WRONG people for help for my anxiety issues. They treated me like a raging alcoholic monster who couldn't keep patients safe. Whatever I do on the weekends is my business. Not theirs. They held me hostage in rehab for almost 2 months all at my costs. Perhaps someday they will realize that the war on addiction cannot be won with punishment.
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  • Jun 8th, 2015
    Someone from Warren, OH writes:
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    i agree with everyone here. My life as a weekend drinker and recreational drug use was far better than it is now. They sucked me into their program by threatening my license if I didn't sign up for their program. I had no legal or work consequences. I called the WRONG people for help for my anxiety issues. They treated me like a raging alcoholic monster who couldn't keep patients safe. Whatever I do on the weekends is my business. Not theirs. They held me hostage in rehab for almost 2 months all at my costs. Perhaps someday they will realize that the war on addiction cannot be won with punishment.
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  • Jun 8th, 2015
    Someone from Lock Haven, PA signed.
  • Jun 4th, 2015
    Someone from Ambler, PA writes:
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    PNAP might be a good program if there were not restrictions for those that do not deserve them and they actually listened to what nurses have to say. Also, the program is very expensive!!! Fairness would be lovely.
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  • Jun 2nd, 2015
    Someone from Altoona, PA signed.
  • Jun 2nd, 2015
    Someone from Tyrone, PA signed.
  • Jun 2nd, 2015
    Someone from Carlisle, PA signed.
  • May 26th, 2015
    Someone from Lebanon, PA signed.
  • May 23rd, 2015
    Someone from Johnstown, PA signed.
  • May 16th, 2015
    Someone from Cherry Hill, NJ writes:
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    It has been more than a year since I started this petition was initiated. We are approaching 1000 signatures and have had no response other than a letter confirming reception of this petition. While PNAP (The Pennsylvania Nurse Assistance Program) continues its devious, unsupervised white collar extortion of a nurses profession, finances, homes, automobiles marriages and at worst the loss of their children. Granted sometimes a nurse will require counseling and supervision but for more than 85% of these nurses the accusations are from many years ago, some more than 20 years ago and others accusations to degrade, slander, induce mental anguish often during a divorce or child custody battle. PNAP along with the BON lack apathy and conduct themselves towards accused nurses that have not one chance to defend themselves. Instead these nurses are demanded to cease Their profession, are TRICKED into signing a three contract without legal counsel, This is a nursing death sentence. The is then labeled for life, the nurse is to pay $1500 evaluation psychiatric fee to a physician that advertises on her internet site for evaluations costing $75 to $100. After the accused nurse has stopped work, lost an income and signed the PNAP contract out of fear and being told she would benefit from the program, the fun begins. Now that the PNAP form letter has been signed the nurse for a 3 year period of hell. The following starts. The nurse is to call her case manager every morning (not a problem. The nurse isn't working) to ask if a drug screen is needed that day. If requested the nurse must pay the $50 to $75 dollars for the exam. Nurses have reported being told to undergo a drug screen two sometimes three times a week. No job no income. Depression, anxiety and family stress begin. Now, the AA meetings often 2-4 times a week. The cost to be paid by the nurse. At times these meetings are at night in lesS than favorable neighborhood. Evaluations by addiction counselor or physician are also ordered frequently and are paid for by the accused. In conclusion PNAP is an entity unto itself, answers to no one, does not provide one ounce of rehabilitative assistance to an accused nurse and could care less about that person. All involved personnel including, physicians, psychiatrists, counselors and addiction program groups no exactly what to write and how to write their sports to keep an accused individual enrolled until their finances are depleted, their families has left or been taken away, becomes homeless or in some cases commits suicide. The only life lost with relation to PNAP should be PNAP itself. CONGRESS PLEASE WAKE UP AND SEE THAT THIS MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE IS NOT ONLY IN PA BUT ACROSS OUR COUNTRY. PLEASE HELP THESE NURSE, GIVE THEM A CHANCE OF A FAIR FACT HEARING TRIAL AND TREAT THEM AS THE COUNTRY TREATS OTHERS ACCUSED OF MUCH MORE HANEOUS CRIMES.
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  • May 13th, 2015
    Someone from Dover, PA signed.
  • May 13th, 2015
    Someone from Blue Bell, PA writes:
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    I thought PNAP was a support group! IT'S been 10 years now when I reported my one and only DUI, when I had to renew my LICENSE. That was the end....many pee tests, no work to be found, I live alone and am broke. I should have lied! Many do and are still licensed. Ten years!! Today I'm calling and writing to Donna Oberbender, Judy ward, Laurette D. KEISER , K. Bushner@psna.org, and Aislyn Maye (amayer@psna.org). I think I have that name incorrect. I understand there are a few people checking on the whole program. I would have been better off robning a bank! How fair is it the BON keeps you in the background check FOREVER? Here I go to call 717.783.0822 to ask for anyone who can help. Swamp them with calls and letters! They probably will be driven to drink!
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  • May 12th, 2015
    Someone from Jenkintown, PA signed.
  • May 11th, 2015
    Someone from Lake Ariel, PA writes:
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    I lost WAY MORE being in this program than I did as an addict...how sad is that?!? They trick you into thinking they are in your side and are going to help you but all they do is ruin you professionally, emotionally, mentally AND financially!! Shame on the people that work for this corrupt program and shame on the government for allowing this.
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  • Apr 27th, 2015
    Someone from Murrysville, PA signed.
  • Apr 25th, 2015
    Someone from Zion Grove, PA writes:
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    I self admitted myself years ago to get off pain medication into a rehab for whiplash injury... After a 14 year relationship breakup I was admitted to hospital dx postpartum depression ended up on nerve meds ... About two years ago I self admitted to a rehab to safely come Off due to risk of seizure . All Of this I thought I had to provide on paperwork when I enrolled .Have had two DUI charges never when was working... I worked a double shift one night went home it was my birthday only for 8 hours to come In for another double next day ... Drank a few beers that night went to work next day ... They said I stunk Of alcohol breathalyzer 0.4 told me leave drive home I was terminated . I enrolled in PNAP and believed I had to disclose all Prior treatments I ever had . The very first urine screen I failed small amount of alcohol and small amount of Vicodin . I got printout from pharmacy showing I had script for the Vicodin but it wasn't a "current " script . It automatically went from One year supervision to five years ... Passed every random urine screen after that completed outpatient therapy and intensive outpatient therapy .. I had no drivers license was under suspension and I asked Them to allow me To wait to attend AA meetings until could legally drive was told no.. Wanted three AA meetings and a professional meeting so four a week for five years ... Even told them I had no problem doing the random drug screens as long as needed... AA is supposed to be a choice of yours to make it does not help everyone ... I am and always have been shy person unable To talk in groups of people.. I had no problems with the private counseling or intensive outpatient .And honestly I had two duis two months apart during bad period of my life .. Never had an addiction to alcohol . Was told what medications I couldn't take even though they were prescribed for my whiplash injury... Had to quit meds I was on for awhile ... There is a way to monitor levels of drugs to be sure not abused . How can they say u can't take a medicine a doctor has prescribed ??? Went through three different people as my person to contact at PNAP. I finally gave up because I couldn't take the risk of driving illegally.. And one test failed which I showed I had a prescription for from prior surgery. Had broken finger and used one . Wouldn't u think if had left over from prescription month or two before shows they weren't being abused ??? I was enrolled online LPN to RN classes... Now since suspended in default on that also ... One year to five years for One test??? I even went through bring front page news saying that they Weren't sure what drugs I abused while caring for the elderly and printed same article Few months later .... I was LPN for 12 years and never had any kind of Problems at work.... I feel I was treated unfairly due to huge jump in years of monitoring and also them expecting me to drive illegally... I did not live in town as they kept saying AA memb
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  • Apr 24th, 2015
    Someone from Philadelphia, PA signed.
  • Apr 20th, 2015
    Someone from Lock Haven, PA signed.
  • Apr 17th, 2015
    Someone from Horsham, PA signed.
  • Apr 15th, 2015
    Someone from New Kensington, PA signed.
  • Apr 14th, 2015
    Someone from Telford, PA signed.
  • Apr 14th, 2015
    Someone from Philadelphia, PA signed.
  • Apr 13th, 2015
    Someone from Macungie, PA writes:
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    This is an understaffed, over enforcing entity that does not communicate with other agencies causing redundant costly testing. it is a one policy fits all punitive agency.
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  • Apr 12th, 2015
    Someone from Haddonfield, NJ signed.
  • Apr 9th, 2015
    Someone from Aztec, NM signed.
  • Apr 8th, 2015
    Someone from Pittsburgh, PA signed.
  • Apr 7th, 2015
    Someone from Grapeville, PA writes:
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    I have watched my girlfriend go through the PNAP program for 4 years and 7 months now. She has not missed one random drug screen, she has not had one positive drug screen, she attended and paid for all required therapies, she has spent close to $10,000 in this program only to discover that instead of being released from this program and retain her hard earned RN liscense, she will never be released. All because she sees a pain clinic Physician for debilitating Diabetic Neuropathy. She is on disability because of this disease. Instead of the "caring" nurses in PNAP helping her. They took all she had and more. After 4years and 7 months she lost her home, her car, her savings and anything she had worth selling. Know they have finally taken her pride, her selfworthand yes, finallly her. Soul. She used to be smart, bright a Hospice RN who made a mistake. One in over twenty years of nursing. Didnt she deserve a second chance? She repented. She did her time. She followed the rules. But they took it all. Shes gone. PNAP you won. One more nurse throws in her cap and bites the dust. So sad. How unaware you are of what a caring compassionate perdon she was. She also happened to be a nurse
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  • Apr 4th, 2015
    Someone from Muncy, PA signed.
  • Apr 4th, 2015
    Someone from Muncy, PA signed.
  • Apr 1st, 2015
    Someone from Philadelphia, PA signed.