IMPAIRED PHYSICIAN / SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICIES
POLICY STATEMENT: The University of Florida College of Medicine will fully participate in the provisions of the Florida Medical Practice Act (F.S.458), the rules of the Board of Medicine, and Department of Professional Regulation. The College of Medicine supports the Florida Impaired Practitioners Program.
DESCRIPTION: Faculty, staff, peers, family or other individuals who suspect that a member of the housestaff or the faculty is suffering from a psychological or substance abuse problem are obligated to report such problems. If the person suspected of a substance abuse problem is a resident, please speak immediately to Dr. Mahla (program director), or Dr. Gravenstein (chairman). If the involved individual is a faculty member, please speak immediately with the chairman (Dr. Gravenstein). Alternatively, Individuals suspecting such impairment can report directly to the Physician's Resource Network (PRN) or can discuss their concerns with the Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Timothy Flynn (Shands, Extension 5-0152).
As long as the practitioner satisfactorily participates in the PRN program no regulatory action would normally be anticipated by the Board of Medicine.
Resumption of clinical activity and residency program will be contingent upon the continued successful participation in the PRN and continuation of the resident in the program will be determined in consultation between the program director and the professionals at the PRN.
Information on the Physician's Resource Network (PRN) and its program can be obtained by calling 1-800-888-8PRN or by writing to the PRN at P.O. Box 1881, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034.
Shands Hospital has recently developed its own rehabilitation program for impaired professionals. More information can be obtained from Shands at Vista Pavilion's web site.
Revised 05/2005