Public commenter urges stricter enforcement and drug testing for nurses; BRN staff points to intervention program

During the meeting’s public comment period, Bianca Stephani described repeatedly reporting registered nurses for alleged drug use and volatile behavior and urged the board to consider stricter enforcement measures, including random drug testing or psychological evaluations tied to license renewal.

Bianca Stephani, who identified herself as a member of the public with past reports filed about nurses’ alleged substance use, said an earlier investigation had resulted in license revocation for one nurse but that another continued practicing despite known concerns. “Her license has been revoked at this point, but there is another registered nurse who still keeps operating despite her known drug usage,” she said. She asked the board to consider “random drug test[ing] or even a psychological evaluation to make sure that these nurses are operating from a place of integrity.”

BRN staff responded during the same public comment period. Loretta (BRN staff) noted two procedural options for committees when public commenters raise matters not on the agenda: either place the item on a future agenda for discussion or remain silent. She also clarified available staff resources. “We do have an intervention program, that is for nurses whose competency may be impaired due to the abuse of alcohol or other drugs or due to mental illness, with a focus on rehabilitating them and returning them to the practice of nursing,” Loretta said. She added that the BRN does not conduct drug testing as part of routine license renewal or issuance: “We do not do, drug testing or any type as a form of license renewal or even license granting.”

The committee did not take formal action on the public comment at the meeting. Staff advised the commenter on existing complaint and intervention pathways and suggested the committee could consider agendizing enforcement‑related topics in a future meeting if members wished.