Participation in the DP is confidential. The DP Case Manger cannot discuss any information about any nurse who is in the DP with anyone else. However, signatures on the initial contract or contract amendments constitute a release of information for the nurse involved. Signatures required on the contract and contract amendments include the nurse participant, the nursing supervisor, the treatment counselor, the AA sponsor, the drug screen coordinator, and a significant other. The primary physician or health care provider also signs the initial contract but not the subsequent contract amendments. So, if you as an employer or supervisor have signed the contract or a subsequent contract amendment, and it has arrived in the DP office, you would be able to call the DP and discuss information about that nurse.
Any nurse in the DP can also sign a release of information for anyone else that they want to have information about their participation.
The DP Case Manager will be happy to provide general information about the DP conditions of participation and contract requirements with anyone who wants to call to get that information. This information can often provide adequate answers to most questions without the need to discuss particular participants.