A five-hour seminar on Monday, April 18 will provide hospital representatives with critical information on the Board of Registered Nursing Diversion Program. The seminar will address the stigma of drug addiction, diversion program controversies and will present data on the effectiveness of the diversion program.

The seminar will feature Carol Stanford, BRN Diversion Program Manager, and other experts from the agency who will explain the roles and responsibilities of the Diversion Program. It is estimated that at least 10 percent of the general population will have a problem with alcohol or drugs at some point in their lives. Health care professionals, including registered nurses, may be particularly susceptible to substance abuse problems due to the stresses of working in a health care environment as well as an increased opportunity to obtain controlled substances.

Board of Nursing Diversion Program, presented by HASC, will help attendees:

• Understand the diversion program and its goals
• Know the responsibilities of the contractor
• Learn about the diversion evaluation committee and nurse support groups
• Understand who is eligible and how one progresses through the program
• Identify the responsibility of the nurse manager

Program cost is $180 for HASC member hospitals and $190 for non-members. Registration is due by April 11.

Contact: Karen Ochoa (213) 538-0765 kochoa@hasc.org