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Public commenter urges stricter enforcement and screening for nurses; BRN staff describe intervention program
Summary
A public commenter said repeated complaints about nurses' drug use were not resolved and called for random drug tests at license renewal; BRN staff outlined existing intervention programs and said BRN does not require drug testing on renewal.
A member of the public told the Nurse Midwifery Advisory Committee on Oct. 12, 2025, that she had reported multiple registered nurses for suspected drug use and volatile behavior and urged the board to consider stronger enforcement measures, including random drug testing at license renewal.
Bianca Stephani, who identified herself during the public‑comment period, said she had filed complaints that the board later closed and that one investigation led to a license revocation for a nurse who previously tested positive for marijuana. “It actually took me getting arrested, going to jail, and actually having 1 of the investigators from the Board of Registered Nursing to show up,” she said, and asked whether the BRN could require random drug tests or psychological evaluations at renewal to protect the public.
BRN staff responded during the public‑comment segment that the board’s intervention program exists to help nurses whose competency may be impaired by substance use or mental illness and is focused on rehabilitation and returning nurses to practice in a way that protects public health and safety. Staff clarified that the BRN “does not do, drug testing or any type as a form of license renewal or even license granting.” The moderator reminded the committee that public comments not on the agenda can be noted for future agenda consideration or left on the record.
Committee members did not take formal action on the public comment during the meeting. Staff suggested that complaints be handled through existing enforcement channels and that the comment could be flagged for possible future agenda consideration about enforcement options specific to RNs if the committee wished to pursue that topic.
