NURSES' RECOVERY PROGRAM ON TRACK

Our position: Indiana's system for monitoring nurse conduct has made huge
strides in the past year.

More than 100,000 registered nurses and practical nurses are licensed to
practice in Indiana. Experts believe that 6 percent to 15 percent of them
are impaired by drugs or alcohol. If those figures are anywhere near
accurate, more than 6,000 nurses in the state are substance abusers and
their patients may be at risk because of it.

The possibility is worrisome, but less so now than any time in the previous
three years. Overseeing the system under which nurses with abuse problems
are identified and monitored is the Professional Recovery Monitoring Corp.
The Michigan-based group has been operating the system since July 1, 2001,
when it replaced Dr. D. Kete Cockrell. At that time, Cockrell's three-year
contract with the state expired and his bid for an extension was rejected.
With very good reason, as an investigation by The Indianapolis Star
demonstrated.

The investigation, reported in November 2000, uncovered numerous problems
with the state's system under Cockrell's direction. He was found to have
failed to meet key terms of his contract. In addition, the Indiana Health
Professions Bureau added to the system's problems by not informing nurses
of suspension and probation orders in a timely manner. To all appearances,
the system was loose, inefficient and uncooperative.

The inquiry revealed a backlog of cases needing investigation; instances in
which nurses with a history of abuse were still working in health care
settings; and frequent failure to randomly test admitted offenders.
Cockrell's reports were found to be sporadic and lacking documentation. Nor
did he follow through on creating educational programs to inform nurses and
employers about confidential monitoring and rehabilitation.

By contrast, the current overseer seems very much in charge. More than 200
nurses have applied for treatment and supervision since last July.
Additional staff has been hired to handle the load. All told, more
referrals have been made in the past year than in the three previous years
combined. Monitoring of treatment and compliance is strict. And detailed
monthly and quarterly reports have been made to the state nursing board.

There are solid indications that more nurses are seeking and getting help
in overcoming abuse. That is good for them and the state. Salvaging their
careers holds a double promise: a lessening of the nursing shortage and
renewed confidence in the quality of care given sick and vulnerable patients.