About the Washington Health Professional Services (WHPS)
The Washington Health Professional Services (WHPS) program is the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON)’s approved substance use monitoring program. WABON may refer nurses to WHPS as an alternative to disciplinary action.
WHPS offers nurses with a substance use disorder an opportunity to safely provide patient care through the monitoring of nurses in a manner that safeguards the public throughout the stages of their recovery and program participation. WHPS protects the public by providing early identification, referral for treatment, and structured monitoring services which include:
- A team of case managers who each have extensive knowledge of substance use disorder. Each nurse is assigned one case manager for their entire program participation.
- Peer Support Groups (PSG) – PSG meetings are not open to the public; they are open to nurses in the WHPS program. It is a private, weekly meeting, facilitated by medical professionals with substance use knowledge. These meetings offer nurses a sense of community amongst peers experiencing similar challenges and who can relate
WHPS Support Links
It’s estimated that 10-15% of nurses have a substance use disorder. Undiagnosed and untreated, substance use disorder can result in legal issues, nursing license suspension, patient/public harm, and even death.
Fortunately, substance use disorder is treatable. Appropriate and effective treatment is tailored to meet the nurse’s recovery needs along with proper support programs increasing the chance of their continued sobriety and long-term recovery.
Mental Health Resources for Nurses
988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988 or 1-800-273-8255 (24 hours a day)
Referrals
Nurses may be referred to WHPS by their licensing authority, employers, associations, colleagues, friends, or family members. Early referral ensures public protection and increases recovery outcomes.
Participants
This page contains resources and information for those participating, or interested in participating, in the WHPS program.
Employers
Employers who wish to learn more about substance use disorder and its prevalence in the nursing profession may access Education resources at the WHPS website.
Treatment Providers
Information for Treatment Providers of Substance Use Disorder
Resources
WHPS provides education during student courses, staff meetings, conferences, and employer management groups.
Substance Use Disorder Monitoring Stipend Program
As stipulated by RCW 18.79.440, the Substance Use Disorder Monitoring Stipend Program provides financial support for participants of the WHPS program by defraying up to 80% of out-of-pocket expenses for substance use evaluations, peer support group participation, and testing costs for individuals who qualify. Participants must actively participate in the WHPS program or a recent graduate.
WHPS Stipend Program Statistics as of December 31, 2024
| Total number of individuals that have participated in the stipend program: | 21 |
| Average total amount of eligible expenses defrayed for each participant: | $305.07 |
| Aggregated total amount of expenses that have been defrayed for all individuals that have participated in the stipend program: | $6,101.34 |
| The amount of funds available for the stipend program: | $18,898.66 |
For additional information, please call WHPS at (360)236-2880 option 1 or email whps@nursing.wa.gov.
Confidential Screening
Answering a few short questions about alcohol or other drug use provides a quick and easy way to determine how substance use may be affecting your health and other areas of your life. Click here to access anonymous and confidential screening tools.