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Gene Kennedy ReportingWe trust doctors to prescribe us the right drugs. But what happens when they are high on the job? It's almost hard to believe, but it's a growing problem in Utah.
Some of these cases have made significant headlines, like the doctor accused of fronting an Oxycontin drug ring. And we could go on and on with similar cases. Part of the reason it's a growing problem is easy access to drugs.
Dr. Charles Walton: "It's kind of set up in many ways for health care professionals to tumble, if they have the tendency to do so."
A nurse who didn't want to be identified says she struggled with drug and alcohol abuse most of her life. It didn't get any easier as a nurse.
Nurse: "I was giving medication to patients, and I was seeing how it was helping their pain, helping relieve them."
One day,she gave pain medication to a patient, then kept the extra dosage, injecting herself in the hospital bathroom. She was caught early, and enrolled in the state's Diversion Program.
It's designed for first-time offenders who have never harmed patients. The participants are strictly monitored. In exchange, their information is kept confidential, and many continue to work in the medical field.
Last year, nearly 90 Utah health care professionals, mostly doctors and nurses, participated in the program.
By the way, you can check the licensing status of any health care provider by checking the link above. But keep in mind, it won't show if a provider has gone through the Diversion Program.
