It’s been more than a decade since Krissy was first diagnosed with a chronic pain condition so severe that, at its worst, made it nearly impossible for her to work a job.

As she’s slowly figured out a regimen to manage her pain, Krissy, whose name has been changed by the Montana State News Bureau for this story due to her fear of professional retribution, has been able to secure her nursing license and start working full-time. For the last three years, she’s been required to participate in the state’s medical assistance program for health care workers or risk losing her professional license.

Medical assistance programs are widely considered a best practice for states to monitor health care professionals struggling with addiction, mental illness and some physical conditions to make sure t

See Full Page