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The Health Professionals
Services Program: Health professionals, like anyone else, are susceptible to substance, psychiatric and medical disorders. Left untreated, these problems can put patients at risk. "Many health care practitioners don't get the help they need," explains Sheila Specker, MD, associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota," this is usually due to the social stigma, fear of exposure or their lack of awareness." Specker adds that "early intervention allows for successful treatment before patient safety is compromised. Created in 1994 as an alternative to board discipline, the State of Minnesota's Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP) offers a proactive way to fulfill reporting requirements and get confidential help for illnesses. By law, health practitioners and employers can report a potential impairment to a licensing board OR to HPSP. "Most choose HPSP," according to Monica Feider, program manager, "because HPSP is supportive and non-disciplinary." HPSP monitors health professionals who have an illness that may impair their ability to do their job. Illnesses may include chemical dependence, physical problems or mental health issues. Many people are unclear about their reporting obligations and feel uneasy about reporting themselves, a colleague, or an employee to HPSP. Getting involved in the personal issues of another professional is a difficult decision. Yet, there is the ethical duty to protect patients from potential harm. All referrals made to HPSP are regarded as privileged data and kept confidential. Nearly 2000 health professions have enrolled in HPSP since the program's inception 8 years ago. HPSP currently provides monitoring services to approximately 480 licensees. Of these, 64% either reported themselves to the program or were referred by a third party, usually a co-worker or employer. All others were referred by their boards, sometimes in conjunction with disciplinary action. The program monitors treatment progress, work quality, and medications, along with attendance at support groups and random urine screens, if alcohol or drug use is part of the illness. HPSP might also require counseling, work limitations or other individualized conditions that address a persons needs and public safety. Typically, agreements are for thirty-six months. All eligible health care professionals licensed in Minnesota can receive HPSP monitoring services- as long as they comply with program expectations. Participants are responsible of the cost of their own evaluation, treatment, and toxicology screens if warranted. To see a list of practitioners eligible for HPSP services, please click HERE. |
Send mail to sheryl.jones@state.mn.us with
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