Impaired Health Professional: Standard/Non-State Specific

A variety of circumstances and conditions can impact a healthcare professional’s ability to safely practice. In addition, there are many obstacles to a health professional seeking care including denial, aversion to the patient role, practice coverage, stigma, shame, and fear of disciplinary action. When early referrals are not made, health professionals remain without treatment until overt impairment manifests in the workplace. Below is guidance on how a health professional, peer, and organization should respond when an impairment is suspected or known. HOW CAN AN IMPAIRED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SELF-REPORT?  Generally, state law and/or medical licensing boards provide the process for a health professional to self-report an impairment. While…