Can a Nurse Work Out of State While Under Probation with the Arizona Nursing Board?

Yes, under certain conditions.  All licensed nurses on probation via a Consent Agreement with the Arizona Board of Nursing have practice related requirements.  The standard Consent Agreement contains the following terms:

• Prior to accepting any out-of-state nursing employment, the nurse shall notify the Board of the State in which the nurse seeks to practice of their Consent Agreement and Order and shall obtain authorization from the Board to practice as a nurse in another State.
• The nurse shall direct the licensing Board of the other State to submit authorization to the Arizona Board verifying the nurse is approved to practice nursing in that State.
• Once authorization is received by the Arizona Board, the nurse may submit a written request to the Arizona Board requesting an amendment to the Consent Agreement to permit the nurse to fulfill the terms and conditions of the Consent Agreement in the other State.

Thus, if a nurse on probation with the Arizona Board of Nursing wants to practice out of state, they must get permission from the Board of that state first. 

Probation and Drug Testing

So, Can Arizona Nursing Board Probation Require Drug Testing? The following are standard terms for anyone that is required to submit to drug testing under a Consent Agreement with the Arizona Board of Nursing.

Program Enrollment: Within 7 days of the effective date of the Order, and throughout the term of the Order, the nurse shall enroll and remain enrolled in the Board approved third party program for random drug and alcohol testing program. Drug testing may include testing of urine, hair, nail, saliva, or blood, as determined by the Board or the Board’s designee.

Testing Frequency: For random urine drug testing, the nurse shall submit a urine specimen a minimum of twice per month throughout the term and for at minimum, the first 18 months of the term, and until receiving written authorization from the Board or its designee that the frequency of drug testing may be reduced. Thereafter, the nurse shall submit a urine specimen a minimum of once per month for the duration of the Order and may be required to submit a specimen more frequently, as determined by the Board or its designee.

If Traveling: The nurse shall provide, in advance of travel or unavailability, at least 3 calendar days’ written notice to the drug testing program and to the Board’s designee of any out-of.town travel or other unavailability to test. All requests to be temporarily excused from drug testing must be approved in advance by the Board or its designee.

Missed Test Due to Illness: Within 7 days of a missed drug test due to an unexpected illness, the nurse shall provide the Board or the Board’s designee with written documentation from a medical provider stating that the medical provider personally examined the nurse on the day of the missed drug test and that the nurse was not physically able to report to the laboratory for drug testing.

Non-Compliance: At any time during the term of this Order, failing to submit to two or more random drug tests; or failing to submit to a drug test on a day when a drug test has been requested by the Board, its designee, the nurse’s healthcare employer, or the drug testing program will constitute noncompliance with the Order and the nurse’s license shall be automatically revoked for at minimum 5 years, NOT subject to further review. A positive drug test showing evidence of any substance (alcohol or drug) other than an authorized drug may result in Board staff notifying the nurse’s employer.

If you’re interested in learning more about our Arizona Nursing License Probation services services and how to protect your rights, set up a consultation with Chelle Law and our Arizona Nursing Attorney reach out to us today.