Alabama Administrative Code
Title 610 - ALABAMA BOARD OF NURSING
Chapter 610-X-13 - VOLUNTARY DISCIPLINARY ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM
Section 610-X-13-.01 - Definitions

(1) American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria (ASAM Criteria): Current comprehensive criteria developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine for determining appropriate treatment recommendations for substance use disorders.

(2) Board-Recognized Substance Use Disorders Treatment Provider: An organized program for treatment of substance use disorders that meets criteria set forth by the Alabama Board of Nursing in 610-X-13-.04.

(3) Comprehensive Evaluation: An evaluation conducted in an inpatient setting over a period of four (4) to seven (7) days by a multidisciplinary team that includes assessment of the applicant or licensed nurse's physical health, substance use, psychological and psychiatric functioning, family and social assessment, and legal and occupational history.

Neuropsychological and cognitive testing, drug testing, and any other testing deemed appropriate by the evaluation team may also be included.

(4) Continuing Care/Aftercare: Sessions conducted by the substance use disorder treatment provider one (1) time per week for a MINIMUM of one (1) year after the completion of treatment.

(5) Mental Condition: A disorder meeting diagnostic criteria for Mental Disorder as defined in the DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000 or the DSM-V (American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

(6) Substance Use Disorder: A disorder meeting the diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorders (either Substance Dependence or Substance Abuse) as defined in the DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000 or the DSM-V (American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

(7) Treatment Recommendations: The course of treatment recommended for a nurse, including recommendations for follow up care after completion of treatment, based on a diagnosis of a Substance Use Disorder (DSM-IV-TR or DSM-V criteria) and ASAM Patient Placement Criteria for level of treatment and services required.

(8) Voluntary Disciplinary Alternative Program (VDAP): A program authorized by the Alabama Legislature to promote early identification, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of any registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or applicant issued a valid temporary permit for licensure whose competence is found to be impaired or compromised because of the use or abuse of drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, chemicals, or other substances or as a result of a physical or mental condition rendering the person unable to meet the standards of the nursing profession.

(9) VDAP Agreement. An agreement signed by the VDAP participant setting forth the terms and conditions with which the VDAP participant shall comply during participation in the VDAP.

(10) Sponsor: A person in recovery from a substance use disorder who acts as an accountability partner with the VDAP participant and who is willing to be identified and to provide his/her contact information to the Board.