What is CANDO?

CANDO is the Board of Nursing's non-disciplinary, confidential monitoring program for chemically dependent nurses, who meet the eligibility/admission criteria into CANDO, and who voluntarily enter into the program.

What do the letters C.A.N.D.O stand for?

Chemically Addicted Nurses Diversion Option

How do nurses get referred to the CANDO program?

  • Self Referral
  • Licensure Renewal/Endorsement/Application
  • Employer Referral
  • Legal Agencies/Other Regulatory Referral
  • Other Community Referral

What is the purpose/intent of the CANDO program?

To provide for the public's safety and welfare through the early detection, treatment and monitoring of chemically dependent nurses.

What are the components of the CANDO Agreement?

  • Three Years
  • Chemical Dependency Treatment
  • AA/NA Attendance
  • Nurse Recovery Group Attendance
  • Random Drug Screening
  • Abstain from all potentially addicting drugs, including alcohol
  • Nursing Employer/School of Nursing Involvement
  • Work Restrictions
  • Medical Care Provider Involvement

Why is the CANDO Agreement a three year agreement?

Chemical Dependency is a disease where relapse is common. In an effort to develop a strong recovery foundation and ensure public safety, licensees in CANDO must demonstrate a minimum of three years of recovery.

Do other states have a similar program for chemically dependent nurses?

Yes, there are over 25 states with similar programs and several other states in the process of obtaining approval or implementing a diversion program for chemically dependent nurses.

How do I find out more about CANDO?

By calling the Arizona State Board of Nursing's CANDO Program at (602) 771-7800 and choose option 4.

Document and Form Downloads

Adobe PDF Document AA/NA Attendance Report
Adobe PDF Document Aftercare Report
Adobe PDF Document Consent for Mutual Disclosure
Adobe PDF Document Employment/School Acknowledgement Letter
Adobe PDF Document Frequently Asked Questions
Adobe PDF Document Individual/Group Counseling Report Letter
Adobe PDF Document Individual/Group Counseling Report Form
Adobe PDF Document Letter to the Nursing Employer
Adobe PDF Document Letter to the Rehabilitation Program
Adobe PDF Document Medical Provider Report
Adobe PDF Document Notification of Changes
Adobe PDF Document Notification of Unavailability for Urine Drug Screens/Out of Town Time
Adobe PDF Document Performance Evaluation Report
Adobe PDF Document Self-Report Form