Effective peer responses to impaired nursing practice.

: Chemical dependency within the nursing profession continues to be a significant problem affecting health care delivery. This article presents up-to-date information on responding to a peer who is demonstrating impaired nursing practice. Specific information on the scope and impact of the problem, indicators of impairment, return to practice, and fitness to practice issues are addressed. In addition, the authors share their insight regarding progress, trends, and challenges in responding to impaired practice.