November 5, 2004

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the registered nurse license of Darlene Susan Goetz, R.N.

The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public’s health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action. On May 20 and May 27, 2004, Goetz’s voluntarily submitted to a chemical dependency/substance abuse evaluation as directed by the Health Professional Recovery Program (HPRP).

The evaluation diagnosed Goetz with alcohol abuse-rule out alcohol dependency, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. Goetz failed to comply with requests of the HPRP to enter into a monitoring agreement.

On October 25, 2004, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Goetz’s nursing license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Goetz’s license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing.