Substance abuse is the most frequent cause of impairment among physicians. About 10% to 15% of physicians have a substance abuse disorder at some point during their life — a rate similar to substance abuse among the general public.
For physicians, substance abuse directly impacts their career. It impairs their ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety, thus violating the code of conduct.
While there is sometimes legitimate concern about substance abuse in health care professionals, there is also a large number of health professionals reported for minor substance use issues that do not impair their ability to practice.
Unfortunately, many health professionals are coerced into intervention and monitoring programs by employers, insurance carriers and state licensing boards, and are unaware of the alternatives that may help them maintain their license.
Often, health professionals are told that these intervention programs are their only choice if they wish to continue practicing.
But this is not true.
A professional licensing attorney can help avoid licensing action without enrollment in an intervention program or can negotiate a less intrusive recovery program for health professionals with actual substance abuse issues.
The outcome in large part depends on three critical factors:
First, do not under any circumstances contact the relevant interventional program. In Michigan, do not call HPRP. In Florida, do not call IPN or PRN.
Contrary to the mission statement of the relevant state program, they are not there to help you and guide you. Their job is to protect the public.
Of course this is a very subjective mission and open to aggressive interpretation. In some cases, this mission can be abused by the authorities who provide these services.
Uninformed co-workers or supervisors may encourage you to call HPRP or PRN/ IPN.
Don’t be tempted.
Do not try to handle the licensing aspect by yourself or with someone who only handles a few cases. A disciplinary matter involving substance abuse can easily lead to suspension or revocation of your professional license if handled poorly.
You need a professional licensing attorney who knows what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.
At Chapman Law Group, we focus solely on health care law. We working with licensed medical professionals like you on matters affecting your practice, your license, and your career.
Whether you are a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse (RN, LPN, CNA, CRNA), psychologist, or another licensed health care professional, we will assist you with difficult issues such as substance abuse and help keep you practicing.
If you have a substance abuse problem and are in danger of losing your Michigan or Florida license, contact us right away. We will work through these critical steps with you and, if possible, prove to the relevant board that you are capable of continuing without an intervention.
We work with physicians, nurses, and other licensed healthcare professionals in:
A substance abuse issue is not the end of the world if it’s handled properly. You will get through the process if you take the necessary steps to retain help from a professional licensing attorney experienced in professional licensing. Call us today for a consultation to learn more about us.
Our Florida regulatory and healthcare licensing lawyers successfully argued that a registered nurse/ advanced nurse practitioner, having been convicted only of reckless driving, should not be subject to a Florida Department of Health (DOH) investigation.
Our attorneys successfully demonstrated an employer violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by knowing about a Florida RN’s PTSD diagnosis and Xanax prescription, but reported the RN to IPN for it.
Chapman Law Group’s independent investigation revealed critical information not included in the police reports and that the car search was illegal.
A Michigan chiropractor received a DUI in 2013, which he self-reported to the state within 30-days pursuant to the public health code. The state of Michigan referred the chiropractor to the Health Professionals Recovery Program (HPRP) for evaluation.
For physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare providers, turning to local general criminal lawyers is a mistake for a criminal matter that could lead to loss of license. A Michigan dentist was fortunate enough to not go that route.
What’s the best way for a Florida nurse or physician to face orders compelling exam? Having legal representation and medical experts from the get-go.
Michigan nurses and medical practitioners are most often referred to HPRP by employers due to potential safety-to-practice concerns.
Florida nurses and medical practitioners are most often referred to IPN and PRN by employers due to potential safety-to-practice concerns.
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