On February 25, 2013, House Bill Number 817 was referred to the Committee on Health. If enacted into law, any nurse convicted of Section (a)(12) of the Drug Act or a substantially similar offense in another state, will have their nursing license permanently revoked. Section (a)(12) makes it a crime to acquire or obtain possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge.
This section of the Drug Act is usually charged by the Office of Attorney General or local District Attorney’s Office when a nurse diverts medication from her job or otherwise acquires the medication by misrepresentation.
If you are a nurse accused of diverting, it is imperative that you contact an attorney before making any admissions to your employer or the police. If you have been diverting narcotics or acquiring them by misrepresentation of fraud, you should retain an attorney immediately to prepare a defense.
If this law goes into effect, your admission into the Pennsylvania Nursing Assistance Program (PNAP) and/or the Professional Health Monitoring Program (PHMP) may not be enough to save your nursing license.
Over the years, we have represented many nurses, doctors, pharmacists, dentists who have diverted narcotics. We can assist you with getting into treatment for your addiction. For over 25 years, we have defended healthcare professionals who have been charged with diversion of narcotics. Please contact us before you speak to your employer or any law enforcement officials.