Position Statement

Impaired Practice (Position Statement + Practice Considerations)

Last AANA revision: 2022

Our paraphrased summary. The text below is our own condensed phrasing for board review, derived from the AANA Practice Manual document of the same name. The AANA document is the authoritative source — read it on aana.com for legally-binding language.

Substance use disorder rates in anesthesia are 2–3× the general nursing population due to access. AANA supports peer-assistance programs over punitive responses, with emphasis on early intervention, treatment, and structured re-entry.

Key points

1.Recognize signs: missing controlled substances, frequent bathroom breaks, behavioral changes, declining performance
2.Anesthesia Provider Wellness Resources / Peer-assistance programs in 40+ states
3.Self-report + intervene early — earlier intervention = better outcomes
4.Re-entry requires supervision, monitoring, structured drug testing (AANA Re-Entry Guide)
5.Fentanyl + sufentanil highest-risk diversions; midazolam + propofol common as well

This is an exam-prep summary, not a substitute for the full AANA document. Read the source at aana.com for authoritative wording. Education only.