FAQS

You Have Questions … We Have Answers

Who does NDPHP serve?

NDPHP serves physicians or other health professionals under the jurisdictions of the ND Board of Medicine, including applicants, and students in a medical doctor or physician assistant program in North Dakota.

What is Impairment?

Impairment is defined as the condition of being unable to perform one’s professional duties and responsibilities in a reasonable manner and consistent with professional standards. Cognitive function, judgement, reaction time, and ability to handle stress are increasingly affected. As impairment progresses the potential for compromised patient care increases.

Impairment may result from dependence or use of mind altering substances; distorted thought processes resulting from mental illness or physical condition; or disruptive social tendencies.

I’m not “impaired.” Why should I enter into a Monitoring Agreement?

A Monitoring Agreement does not require you to be impaired. In fact, our goal is to prevent impairment from occurring. In the past, problems would not be identified until there were significant negative consequences such as lawsuits, loss of licensure, or loss of employment. The medical community has become more proactive, recognizing the need to help our providers address concerns before it affects patient care.

Who can refer to NDPHP?

Anyone who has concerns about a healthcare provider’s mental health or substance use can refer to NDPHP.

How do I refer a medical professional to the NDPHP?

Complete NDPHP’s referral form or send us a letter including all the information from the referal form.

*A person making a referral will be required to provide their name and contact information. However, NDPHP will not share this information unless given consent.

Is the North Dakota Board of Medicine informed of participation with the NDPHP?

The ND Board of Medicine is not made aware of a voluntary participant who remains compliant with their monitoring agreement. NDPHP is required to notify the ND Board of Medicine of voluntary participants who violate their monitoring agreement.

The ND Board of Medicine is aware of the licensees who have been “board ordered” to participate in the NDPHP.

Will participation with NDPHP be confidential?

Voluntary participation is kept confidential as long as there is not a threat to patient safety or a violation of the Medical Practice Act.

What is the cost?

Participants are responsible for all assessments and treatment as well as NDPHP monitoring fees, including an annual administrative fee. However, insurance may cover medically necessary services, such as outpatient or residential substance abuse treatment, counseling, or other therapies. Check with your insurance provider for more information.

Can participants practice medicine?

Participants may be required to refrain from practice during evaluation and treatment. Approval of a return to practice is based on recommendations from treatment providers.

Why does my employer need to know I am involved with NDPHP?

NDPHP relies on your monitoring physician to let us know how you are doing every quarter via a brief behavioral checklist and to notify NDPHP if concerns arise. Employers are given information about your illness strictly on a need-to-know basis.

When should a provider be referred to NDPHP?

The NDPHP should be notified as soon as possible if the are concerns about potential impairment.

Up to 20% of Healthcare providers will be affected by a mental illness or substance use disorder during their lifetime.