FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What type of healthcare professionals can use OhioPHP services?
OhioPHP works with physicians (M.D./D.O./D.P.M), residents, physician assistants, anesthesiologist assistants, respiratory care professionals, genetic counselors, oriental medicine practitioners, acupuncturists, dietitians, massage and cosmetic therapists, radiologist assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, EFDAs, dental assistant radiographer, optometrists, opticians, veterinarians, veterinary technicians/nurses, chiropractors, pharmacists, nurses, students in medical, dental, veterinary, optometry or chiropractic schools, and other healthcare professionals.
2. Can OhioPHP help me with issues other than drug or alcohol addiction?
Yes, OhioPHP provides community referrals for issues such as: stress, burnout, psychosocial therapy, behavioral issues, gambling addiction, sex addiction, family and marriage counseling, ethics training, boundary violations, prescribing guidelines, legal services, skills assessment, cognitive concerns, eating disorders, and others. The staff at OPHP is committed to helping you in anyway - and will work hard to find the support you need!
OPHP also provides monitoring and advocacy services for healthcare professionals who are having concerns with mental or emotional health and those with physcianl conditions which may impair their ability to practice.
3. I do not believe that I am "impaired". Why should I enter into a monitoring agreement?
OPHP monitoring agreements are entered into voluntarily unless ordered by a regulatory Board. A monitoring agreement does not indicate you are "impaired" or unable to perform your job duties. OPHP aims to prevent impairment by motivating you to enter into treatment and monitoring before any impairment affecting your health or workplace performance occurs. By seeking help early on, you have an increased likelihood of sustained recovery, improving patient safety, and avoiding loss of licensure.
4. Is OPHP affiliated with any licensure Boards?
No. OPHP is a nonprofit organization independent of all licensure Boards. OPHP is bound by state statues but will not report your participation so long as it is voluntary and you remain compliant with the terms of your OPHP monitoring agreement.
5. Will my participation in OPHP be confidential?
Yes. OPHP provides confidential services to every participant to the fullest extent allowed by law. Communication with any third party is strictly prohibited and information is only released with written authorization.
6. Will my participation in OPHP be reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)?
No. OPHP does not report any program participant to the NPDB as we are neither a regulatory agency nor a credentialing organization.
7. I think I need treatment for a substance use disorder. Where should I go?
OPHP specializes in knowing the treatment requirements as established by licensing boards for all healthcare professionals. OPHP can help ensure you enter into treatment at an appropriate, approved facility. OPHP completes a comprehensive audit of every treatment center that is an approved provider.
8. What is the cost of participating in OPHP under a monitoring agreement?
OPHP is a nonprofit organization that does not receive any federal or state funds. Since OPHP does not provide treatment, we are unable to bill insurance for any of the services received. While OPHP receives a large, private foundation grant, we are unable to cover the full cost of monitoring services. OPHP charges an initial processing fee, a monthly service fee, and each program participant is responsible for the cost of toxicology testing.
9. What is involved with a monitoring agreement with OPHP?
OPHP provides confidential monitoring and advocacy services for healthcare professionals who have been diagnosed or treated for substance use disorders, mental illness/behavioral concerns, and physical illness. This agreement establishes a relationship between OPHP and the healthcare professional and outlines the terms and duration of monitoring. All agreements are entered into on a voluntary basis unless ordered by a licensing board.
10. Are all monitoring agreements the same?
No. OPHP maintains extensive monitoring requirements for all professionals under a monitoring agreement. Minimum treatment and aftercare requirements as established by state statue are considered for every individual. This information, along with the individual reason for monitoring, influences the criteria and duration of the agreement. Any program participant has the ability to appeal their agreement in the event they feel the criteria is no longer appropriate for their needs.