IntroductionWhile occupational screening in healthcare is decidedly standard, the law often does not require drug and alcohol testing. Substance abuse is a leading cause of disciplinary action against a nursing license in the United States. Random drug screens are used to detect the use of unapproved or illegal medications to protect patient safety (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2006). . The American Nurses Association (ANA) estimates that 6 to 8 percent of nurses use alcohol or drugs at a level that impairs professional judgment (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2011). Approximately one-third of 1% of actively licensed nurses are disciplined each year for substance misconduct (Kenward, 2008). Protecting patients from unsafe practices and personnel is the primary responsibility of each nursing oversight committee. However, fear of punishment from the board or dismissal keeps many nurses reluctant to come forward (Maher-Brisen 2007). The purpose of this document is to discuss the feasibility of mandating random drug testing for nurses and other healthcare professionals. The goal of this would be to address deep-rooted problems of substance abuse and reduce the risk of harm to patients under the healthcare provider's care. Argument in favor of drug testing A nurse is required to exercise appropriate clinical judgment and respond safely and quickly to effectively care for a patient. Substance abuse among nurses is a problem that compromises the delivery of quality care and professional standards of nursing. Many nurses are not recognized as having a problem until the patient is in danger (Clark and Farnsworth, 2006). It was estimated that 10-…… half of paper…… nurses would receive help. Nurses who don't want to undergo monitoring after a positive drug test would be fired. Conclusion The nursing profession is guided by the principle of nonmaleficence, or “Do No Harm.” Nurses are responsible for maintaining and optimizing the patient's quality of life. When nurses fail to care for themselves, they also put their patients at risk. The patient has a reasonable expectation of receiving safe and competent care. The influence of drugs and alcohol greatly impairs the judgment and skills of any good nurse. Increased patient workload, long hours, personal stress and sleep deprivation put many nurses in the position of self-medicating. My position is that high risk specialty employees be drug tested to be held accountable and help protect their patients and themselves from harm.