Pharmacists Health Program

PharmHP Referral

Our Process

Without treatment and engagement in recovery, a substance use disorder can be a life-threatening illness. Early detection of substance use disorders can mean the difference between life and death. For more than 37 years, the Physicians' Health Program (PHP) has provided support and advocacy to physicians, dentists and other eligible health care professionals suffering from a substance use disorder, mental illness or behavioral concerns that impact their ability to practice their chosen profession safely. Pharmacists became part of the licensees served by the PHP in the Fall of 2023.

The PharmHP microbrand was created in 2024 to give pharmacists their unique identity while preserving the foundational structure of staff and processes. While in treatment, the PharmHP staff will continue to work closely with the treatment provider or facility to make sure you are receiving the support and resources necessary to address your illness. Most cases involve regular calls and communication pertaining to your progress. It is  Our goal is to monitor and make sure you are receiving the best care.

Screening and Referral for Evaluation

All services provided by the PharmHP are kept completely confidentiality.

It is our goal to provide each person with the services they need to recover. The PharmHP staff is committed to developing an individualized approach for you.

Our highly trained and experienced case management staff help participants find the most appropriate resource for assessment. When calling, a case manager will conduct a brief screening to collect relevant information so we can provide a list of providers who can complete an assessment.

*The PharmHP does not provide any assessment or treatment services.

Coordination of Treatment

If a diagnosis is indicated during assessment, for which treatment is needed, the PharmHP staff will help the participant find an appropriate avenue for treatment that specializes in the participant's area of need. The extensive list of treatment providers is built on long-standing working relationships and a deep understanding of the needs of our participants.

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Remediation services could include, but are not limited to:

  • Detoxification
  • Inpatient therapy
  • Partial hospitalization programs
  • Intensive outpatient programs
  • General outpatient

While in treatment, the PharmHP staff will continue to work closely with the treatment provider or facility to make sure you are receiving the support and resources necessary to address your illness. Most cases involve regular calls and communication pertaining to your progress. It is our goal is to monitor and make sure you are receiving the best care.

2023PAPHPProcess

Monitoring

For over 35 years the PHP has provided monitoring services to physicians and other medical professionals. This experience positioned us to work efficiently and effectively with PharmHP participants. Our long-term monitoring approach allows the PharmHP to collect documentation of recovery activities, which can then be used to advocate for present participants.

After completing an assessment, and if treatment is needed, the PharmHP will work with a provider to develop an individualized monitoring agreement. While agreements are unique to the individual, most agreements include:

  • Toxicology Testing
  • On-going therapy
  • Peer monitoring
  • Workplace monitoring
  • 12-step meeting attendance (AA/NA/other)
  • Routine check-in calls with the PharmHP

In addition to the list above, PharmHP agreements could include attending CME courses, follow up assessments to determine return to work eligibility, and appropriate follow up with health care providers.

*Some amendments could be made based on a case-by-case basis to ensure quality of treatment.

Advocacy

While documentation is collected during the monitoring process, the PharmHP acts behind the scene as an advocate to provide periodic reports on the participant’s behalf to designated parties. In doing so, participants receive support that could easily determine the likelihood of future practice. The PharmHP is also available to testify in hearings on the behalf of participants, if permission is granted.

Peer decision bodies that could receive program monitoring reports include:

  • Employers/hospitals
  • Pharmacy schools or training programs
  • Credentialing departments
  • State Boards of Pharmacy
  • Other state Peer Assistance Monitoring Programs
  • Insurance companies
  • Attorneys
  • Other court and legal systems

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