Oklahoma Health Professionals Program (OHPP) Confidential Help for Health Professionals

OHPP was founded in 1983 as an alternative for physicians and other healthcare professionals experiencing alcohol or drug addiction to receive comprehensive treatment rather than being immediately reported to their licensing Board. Support from the OHPP has evolved to include behavioral and sexual misconduct issues as well. Evidence supports that healthcare professionals are more likely to seek help for these problems if their Board is not involved. One of OHPP’s primary objectives is maintaining the confidentiality of its participants, however, it is important for participants to know the limits of that confidentiality. Additionally, we will discuss how the American Disability Act applies to Substance and Alcohol Use Disorders.

Healthcare professional should be able to identify these problems in their colleagues, and OHPP provides the opportunity for them to offer help. Licensed physicians and other clinicians should understand their personal and legal obligations in reporting, and they should also be aware of the confidentiality in making referrals.

This session will also outline the process when contact is made with OHPP. This includes an outside evaluation, possible treatment, and a possible monitoring contract. Situations in which the progression of the disease requires Board notification will be explored, and finally, we will discuss next steps when the DEA becomes involved in their case.