Kraft v. North Dakota State Bd. of Nursing,
No. 20000320 (N.D. July 20, 2001)

A North Dakota nurse sued the State Board of Nursing when her license to practice nursing was suspended for one year. Additionally, the nurse was ordered to undergo chemical dependency and psychiatric evaluations and was fined. The nurse had reported to work with a fruity smell on her breath and appeared intoxicated. Doctors on staff notified the nurse's supervisor. When the nurse refused a blood or urine test, she was summarily suspended pursuant to the medical center's published policy. The State Board concluded, among other things, that the nurse was unfit to practice nursing. The Supreme Court of North Dakota affirmed the judgment of the State Board, finding its decision supported by the evidence.