Our Programs

Who We Serve

Licensees Served:

Physicians' Health Program
- Doctors
- Physician Assistants
- Residents and Medical Students
- Podiatrists
- Veterinarians
Nurses' Health Program
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner
- Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Licensed Registered Nurse
- Student Nurses
Pharmacists' Health Program
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy Interns
- Pharmacy Students
- Pharmacy Technicians
Dentists' Health Program
- Dentists
- All Licensed dental professionals

How it Works

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 those entering the PA PAMP, the first step is an evaluation. If needed, we will help the participant find appropriate treatment and offer monitoring services. When necessary, we can provide advocacy for those in the PA PAMP program.

MAKE A REFERRAL

Our Process

Referral

All services provided by the PA PAMP are kept completely confidential. It is our goal to provide each person with the services they need to recover. The PA PAMP staff is committed to developing an individualized approach for you.

Any referral made by the PA PAMP will be directed to providers who specialize in the assessment of health care professionals.

*The PA PAMP does not provide any assessment or treatment services

Intake Screening

The highly trained and experienced case management staff are available to 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 the physician, dentist, or other eligible health care professional with a list of providers who can complete an independent assessment.

Evaluation Referral

After an intake is completed, individuals seeking assistance will be given a list of evaluation providers based upon the presenting concerns and additional information acquired during the intake.

Participants are given a choice of where they can receive an evaluation.

Coordination of Treatment

If a diagnosis is indicated during the assessment for which treatment is needed, the PA PAMP will help the participant find an appropriate avenue for treatment. We will work to find you a provider or facility that specializes in your area of need. Moreover, many of these partnerships are built on long-standing working relationships with the PA PAMP and understand the needs of our participants.

Remediation services could include, but are not limited to:

Detoxification
Inpatient therapy
Partial hospitalization programs
Intensive outpatient programs
General outpatient

While in treatment, the PA PAMP 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 to monitor and make sure you are receiving the best care.

Monitoring

Our long-term monitoring approach allows us 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 PA PAMP will work with a provider to develop and 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 PA PAMP

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

Advocacy

While documentation is collected during monitoring, we act behind the scenes 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 PA PAMP is also available to testify in hearings on behalf of participants if permission is granted.

Peer decision bodies that can receive program monitoring reports include:

Employers/hospitals
Medical schools or residency programs
Credentialing departments
State Boards of Medicine/specialty boards
Other state PAMPs
Insurance companies
Attorneys
Other courts and legal systems

Relationships to Licensing Board

The Foundation's Peer Assistance Monitoring Programs have a contractual relationship with the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Professional Health Monitoring Programs (PHMP), which enables them to monitor and report on healthcare professionals with substance use disorders, mental health issues, or behavioral concerns that could impact practice safety, while maintaining confidentiality. This relationship allows the Foundation's Peer Assistance Monitoring Program to serve as a confidential diversionary program that works constructively with licensing boards, providing a therapeutic alternative to disciplinary action for many participants.