Legal Question in Employment Law in Alabama

AL Board of Nursing VDAP program
As a nurse of 27 years I had a traumatic event 4 years ago which led to drinking. My license were due for renewal so I called the board on what to do. I went under the voluntary program and signed a contract or either lose my license. About 1 yr later I had a relapse and went through tx again. Since then I have been clean and sober. I have had about 70 drug screens at $50 each, which have ALL been negative but ONE which was due to taking Nyquil ONE night. Now they are suspending my license for 6 months plus re-instating narcotic key restriction for 6 months, plus 3-12 step groups and after care per week, plus a $250 additional fee, besides the thousands spent on evaluation and more tx they had me do. During this 6 months out of work I still will have random screens at $50 each with no job in nursing. My big concern is not staying sober because I have been and will continue to be, is how can any institution control what I do when I am not at work? My evaluations at work have been excellent b/c I am a very good nurse with care, concern and morals and take excellent care of my patients. Do I have any grounds for a suit? I am so stressed out over this and need help. Thank You

Asked on 2/03/06, 4:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Sterling DeRamus Sterling L. DeRamus, Attorney at Law

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Re: AL Board of Nursing VDAP program

You have the right to appeal the decision of the Board of Nursing. There should be an explanation of your appeal rights in their letter removing your rights. Different agencies do it differently so I am not specifically familiar with the BoN procedures. You also have the right to appeal the final decision to a Circuit Court - but it may take a while for the Circuit Court to rule. I would recommend hiring a good employer in your area.

Sterling L. DeRamus

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Answered on 2/03/06, 5:10 pm

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