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MPHP - Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be referred to the MPH Program?
Allopathic physicians, osteopathic physicians, residents, and medical students.
Who refers to the MPH Program?
Anyone who cares.
What is an intervention?
An intervention is a structured method of confronting someone thought to be impaired. Interventions are designed to break through the denial inherent in diseases of impairment. MPHP staff will coordinate the planning and implementation of the intervention.
What are the signs of alcoholism or chemical dependency?
- Difficulty meeting schedules and deadlines
- Slurred speech
- Impaired motor coordination
- Frequently disappears from the work place
- Obvious physical changes
- Prescribing large quantities of controlled substances
- Difficult to reach when on call
- Dramatic mood swings
- Smells of alcohol
- Insists on administering drugs personally
- Isolation
- Family difficulties
- Financial difficulties
What treatment is available for physicians?
Evaluation and treatment begin immediately following an intervention. MPHP will provide treatment resources and coordinate the care of the physician throughout treatment. Treatment should be done outside of the physician’s environment and at a treatment center familiar with handling the dynamics involved in treating physicians.
What type of aftercare and monitoring is done after treatment?
All physicians referred to MPHP are followed for at least five years in order to assess their on-going recovery. Key components of the monitoring agreement include: random urine screens, obtaining a primary care physician, attendance at aftercare and twelve-step support groups, individual psychotherapy if indicated, and attendance at professional support groups. Recovery needs are re-evaluated periodically to adjust to changes that occur over time in the recovery process.
What is advocacy?
One of the responsibilities of MPHP is to advocate for enrolled physicians. The program provides regular reports to hospitals, practice partners, chiefs of staff and, when indicated, to the Board of Healing Arts, the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The advocacy occurs only with the physician’s written permission.
What is the relationship between MPHP and regulatory agencies in Missouri?
MPHP is independent of and has no direct reporting responsibilities to the licensure and regulatory agencies, such as the Board of Healing Arts, the Missouri Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. We maintain a positive working relationship with these agencies and thus we are able to advocate for MPHP participants when licensure issues arise.
Physicians who voluntarily participate in our program have the opportunity to arrest the progression of their disease and resultant impairment before public exposure occurs and before disciplinary actions on licensure and clinical privileges are taken.
JCAHO Requirements for Hospitals
The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) has begun to survey hospitals for compliance with the new standard regarding physician health (MS 2.6). This standard requires the medical staff to implement a process to identify and manage matters of individual physician health that is separate from the medical staff disciplinary function. The MSMA has provided a program through the MPHP that meets the JCAHO requirements.
Please email MPH or call 800-958-7124x23 for more information.
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