If a procvider wants to just meet for a drink as part of her screening process, am I expected to provide a donation for her time?

A precious few providers do use that tactic and should state beforehand that the time is off the clock. Consider it a bonus, but I would at least pay for her drink.

...its a nice way to break the ice and have a chance to more gracefully take a pass on the whole thing if either of you isn't comfortable with each other.
MVR