The IPHP serves first and foremost as a resource for physicians to address potential impairment before it becomes a problem in their daily work. If you're struggling with your mental health, substance use, or a physical condition, the IPHP can help you find the support you need. This may include an assessment or evaluation, or connecting you with treatment providers in your area who have experience treating healthcare professionals.
Confidential Self-Reporting
We understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, and that you may have concerns about your privacy. The IPHP is a confidential program, and your involvement will not be shared with anyone outside your treatment team.
Contact our staff to discuss your situation and determine how the IPHP may be able to assist you.
Referrals to the Iowa Physician Health Program
The Iowa Administrative Code 653, Chapter 23 identifies areas in which a physician can be disciplined, one of which is being unable to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety as a result of mental or physical impairment or substance abuse. The Iowa Board of Medicine recognizes physicians are only human and are not immune to health issues or personal struggles. The Board encourages physicians to self-report to the IPHP before their ability to practice medicine safely is compromised. As a physician seeking help, you deserve the same care and respect you show your patients each day.
Concerns for which we receive referrals/self-reports include, but are not limited to the following:
- Being under the influence of mood-altering substances while in the workplace;
- Excessive use of mood-altering substances outside the workplace that may affect a professional’s ability to practice with skill and safety;
- Untreated mood disorders;
- Disruptive behaviors in the workplace, such as verbal or physical abuse towards staff or patients;
- Substance-related arrests, such as OWI.
The IPHP receives referrals from individuals in a variety of roles:
Licensed Physicians or Applicants for Licensure—Can self-report on their own. They can call or email IPHP staff or complete the self-report form.
Licensure Division of the Board—Initial and renewal applications are referred to the IPHP if there is an indication on the individual’s application of monitoring by another state’s PHP, alcohol-related arrests, or a health issue affecting their ability to practice medicine.
Enforcement Division of the Board—If the Iowa Board of Medicine receives a complaint alleging impairment, they may refer this information to the IPHP to make contact with the physician.
Board of Medicine—After an investigation is complete, the board of the Iowa Board of Medicine reviews the case to determine if any action needs to be taken. One of the the recommendations may be to refer the individual’s case to the IPHP.
Employers—Can call or send in a letter to the Iowa Board of Medicine, which then is referred to IPHP.
Colleagues—Physicians are mandatory reporters and have an obligation to report a colleague if the individual is unable to practice medicine safely due to an impairment. Reporting information to the IPHP satisfies your mandatory reporter obligation. If you report an individual to us, your identity remains anonymous.
When we receive a self-report, we are looking to see if there is a risk for patient harm or harm to the physician. If a risk exists, the IPHP may ask a physician to stop practicing until a determination is made regarding their fitness for duty. These decisions are made in conjunction with physicians on the Iowa Physician Health Committee and the program’s assistant attorney general.
Interview
After a self-report is received, we will schedule a phone call with the physician to visit about the reason for their self-report. During the interview, staff will gather more details, including current or past treatment, current or past concerns with health, major life events, triggers that cause a worsening of symptoms, employment, supports, etc.
Evaluation
After the interview, we review the situation with the chair of the Iowa Physician Health Committee (IPHC), a committee appointed by the Board overseeing IPHP to determine if further evaluation is needed. If the physician has already completed an evaluation or has already established care with a provider, we will obtain a copy of the evaluation and/or information from your provider to help determine if further review or evaluation is needed.
If an evaluation is needed, we will offer a list of providers for you to consider using. These providers are experienced in evaluating healthcare providers and are able to make determinations about safety to practice.
Treatment Recommendations
The IPHP does not provide treatment. We rely on highly skilled providers to determine treatment recommendations. When we receive information from providers or an evaluation summary, we review the recommendation from the providers as to what level of care or treatment is needed.
Determination of Eligibility
Once we review information from providers or evaluations, the IPHP determines if there is an impairment that could affect the physician’s ability to practice medicine safely. If there is no indication of an impairment, staff will proceed with the process of closing out the case. If an impairment is noted, then staff proceeds with drafting a contract that will allow for participation in the program.
Contract
When it is determined that monitoring is needed, we will draft a contract that identifies the treatment recommendations from an evaluation and/or providers. The contract is designed to identify what the individual needs to better their health so that it does not impact their ability to practice medicine safely. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather is tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Monitoring & Advocacy
The purpose of monitoring is to ensure that the physician is following through with the treatment needed to better their health and to ensure their safety to practice medicine is not compromised.
If a physician is offered a contract to allow for participation in the program, the contract will identify what services are needed to support the physician and ensure public safety.
Our staff will receive reports from the physician and members of their treatment team quarterly basis, at minimum. These reports are reviewed to ensure the physician is compliant with their contract requirements. Contract requirements can be modified if there is a recommendation for a change in services. Usually, services decrease over time.
Program participants meet annually with either the Iowa Physician Health Committee (IPHC) or IPHP staff.
If requested, the IPHP can write a supportive letter verifying a physician’s compliance. Physicians can share this letter with those that need information about their participation in our program.
What happens if a physician does not comply with their contract?
Participants are responsible for notifying IPHP staff when there is an instance of noncompliance. Significant issues of noncompliance are reviewed with the IPHC. The IPHC will determine if the participant has been noncompliant. If so, the IPHC will determine if the noncompliance rises to the level where corrective action should be taken.
Forms and Documents
- Self-Report Form
- Quarterly Report Form - Mental Health
- Quarterly Report Form - Substance Use & Dual Diagnosis
- Quarterly Report Form - Physical Condition - Employed
- Quarterly Report Form - Physical Condition - Not Employed
- Quarterly Report Form - Interstate Monitoring (use when Iowa is not the primary monitor)
Have Questions or Concerns?
