Washington Health Professional Services (WHPS) is the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission’s approved substance use disorder monitoring program for nurses.
The nursing commission recently adopted a Position Statement on substance use disorder and the nursing profession. The statement’s user friendly format provides background and a framework for how the commission supports early identification, referral for treatment and safe return to practice. Including clarification of its voluntary participation track. This is especially important as we continue to manage the effects of COVID-19 along with many other stressors.
What is the WHPS voluntary participation track? Healthcare employers and nurses may contact WHPS directly instead of filing a formal complaint. When a nurse enrolls in WHPS voluntarily, the nurse’s participation is not made known to the commission as long as the nurse remains successful. This serves to better protect the public through early intervention.
For consultation and educational presentations contact the Washington Health Professional Services (WHPS) at 360-236-2880 or whps@doh.wa.gov.