It is estimated that 14% of all licensed nurses are dependent on alcohol and/or other mind-altering drugs. Historically, a disciplinary approach to problems with addiction was the normal course of action in the nursing profession, as well as in other health care professions. In the early 1980's, the nursing profession began to proactively address the problem of addiction in its ranks. They began to examine the issues of chemical dependency and addiction in nurses from a rehabilitative, rather than a disciplinary, approach. The first two alternative diversion programs were established in California and Florida. New Mexico became the third in the country to establish a diversion program.

In 1987, the New Mexico state legislature enacted Section 61-3-29.1 of the Nursing Practice Act that authorized the Board of Nursing to establish a diversion program for chemically dependent nurses. A nurse who habitually or regularly uses alcohol and/or other mind-altering drugs presents a potential danger to her/her patients because the use of chemicals can impair the nurse's ability to safely practice nursing. When identified, the nurse can be referred to the Diversion Program and begin a program of rehabilitation to address the chemical dependency problem.

The purpose of the Diversion Program is to monitor nurses in the first months and years of their recovery, and track compliance with their sobriety and recovery work. It is not the intent of the program to provide treatment or therapy to chemically dependent nurses. However, the initial contract signed by all nurses requires them to receive some form of treatment for chemical dependency. The program initially provides a strict external structure of recovery for nurses whose lives have become unmanageable due to their abuse or addiction. The goal of the Diversion Program is to enable these nurses to integrate this structure internally and be able to manage their lives effectively again. When this has been accomplished, the nurses are ready for discharge.