Impaired Physician

Intent

The sponsoring institution and each program is responsible for monitoring fellows for signs of psychological and substance abuse problems and for initiating appropriate interventions.


Policy

Statement

The University of Florida College of Medicine will fully participate in the provisions of the Florida Medical Practice Act (F.S.458), the rules of the Board of Medicine, and the Department of Professional Regulation. The College of Medicine supports the Florida Impaired Practitioners Program.

Description

  • Faculty, staff, peers, family or other individuals who suspect that a member of the housestaff is suffering from a psychological or substance abuse problem are obligated to report such problems. Individuals suspecting such impairment can either report directly to the Physician’s Recovery Network (PRN) or can discuss their concerns with the Program Director, Chairman, or Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education.
  • It is the intent of the sponsoring institution that all appropriate rules that govern the practice of medicine be strictly enforced.
  • All referrals to the PRN are confidential and are evaluated by the professionals of the PRN. Decisions about intervention, treatment and aftercare are determined by the PRN.
  • As long as the practitioner satisfactorily participates in the PRN program no regulatory action would normally be anticipated by the Board of Medicine.
  • Resumption of clinical activity and fellowship program will be contingent upon the continued successful participation in the PRN and continuation of the fellow in the program will be determined in consultation between the program director and the professionals at the PRN.
  • Information on the Physician’s Recovery Network (PRN) and its program can be obtained by calling 1-800-888- 8PRN or by writing to the PRN at P.O. Box 1881, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034.
  • Each program will provide an educational program to their fellows regarding substance abuse.
  • Compliance with the above will be monitored in the internal review process.

Impaired Practitioners Program Of Florida
The Physicians Recovery Network (PRN)
P.O. Box 1020
Fernandina Beach, FL 32035-1020
1-800-888-8PRN
1-904-277-8004

Physicians or osteopaths with a past or current history of drug or alcohol addiction must contact the PRN as soon a possible on or before arriving at your training program in Gainesville, FL. This is a confidential and professional organization that will help you stay clean and sober while maintaining your ability to practice medicine in our State.

The purpose of the PRN Program is to ensure the public health and safety by assisting the ill practitioners who may suffer from one or more of the following:

  • Chemical dependency
  • Psychiatric illness
  • Psychosexual illness, including boundary violations
  • Neurological/cognitive impairment
  • Physical illness
  • HIV infections/AIDS
  • Behavioral disorders

By supporting ill practitioners in regaining their health, PRN attempts to maintain the integrity of the healthcare team in its role in serving the public. You are treated with respect, confidentiality, and without discrimination. Recommendations by the PRN for any type of follow-up, counseling, testing, assessment, etc. is the privacy of you and the PRN in their Advocacy/Monitoring Contract. For further confidential information, resources, intervention, referral or treatment, feel free to contact Sharron Wallace at 265-0787, or Dr. Ken Thompson, Director of the Vista Professionals Recovery & Treatment Program at 338-0097, Ext. 7189.