One of the most important aspects of the approach to recovery is the long-term process of monitoring and documenting recovery activities. Monitoring begins either after a participant has successfully completed an inpatient treatment program or is actively involved in an outpatient program.

Types of Monitoring

Participant Meeting Attendance: The physician conducts a portion of his or her own monitoring through self-reporting attendance at 12-Step meetings, caduceus meetings, or other appropriate mutual support groups on a monthly basis.

Therapist Reports: If the participant is enrolled in individual or group therapy, the therapist submits quarterly progress reports to the PHP.

Drug Screens: For chemical dependency cases, the PHP requires random periodic body fluid screenings. These screenings are collected by various monitors and sent to a PHP approved laboratory in New York, which forwards the results to the PHP. Screens are started at 50-60 per year and are reduced accordingly throughout the five-year agreement.

PHP Monitors: The PHP has trained physician volunteers across the state who work with PHP participants. These assigned monitors support the recovering physician by maintaining weekly personal contact and documenting the participant's recovery status.

Workplace Monitors: The PHP participant must name someone at his/her workplace to serve as a workplace monitor. On a quarterly basis the monitor reports to the PHP about the participant's timeliness, reliability, relationship with patients and office staff, and personal appearance.

PHP Staff Contact: Under the agreement, the participant must maintain monthly personal contact with the PHP office in Harrisburg. Periodic face-to-face meetings with the PHP medical director and/or case management staff are also required. This allows the PHP to evaluate progress and compliance with the agreement and to respond to any indications of difficulty. Noncompliant behavior and/or relapses are dealt with quickly to prevent a return to an impaired condition.