Physician License Defense Lawyers – Philadelphia
Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals face enormous pressure in their professional capacity. When an act such as diverting prescription medicine to sell, or use or driving under the influence (DUI) threatens to destroy your credibility in your career, the pressure intensifies.
Perhaps you have received an application from the Physicians Health Monitoring Program (PHMP) and are wondering whether or not you should complete and send in the form. You simply want alleviation from the stress you feel.
At The Law Offices of Brian E. Quinn, we work with physicians who have come under investigation for matters that threaten their professional licensure. If you are a doctor facing charges of unlawful or criminal behavior, contact us today.
When to Call a Lawyer
If a complaint has been lodged against you for a drug or alcohol related matter, the Professional Health Monitoring Program is generally notified. You are typically sent an application to participate in this program. Yet completing the form and sending it in may limit your rights.
The time to contact an attorney is now — before you respond and before you sign away any of your rights. At The Law Offices of Brian E. Quinn, our attorneys will advise you on whether or not you should complete the application.
Physicians Health Program (PHP)
The PHP is a program of the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society which operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Board of Medicine. This program provides support and advocacy to physicians struggling with addiction, mental health or other issues. The PHP typically requests physicians enter into a five year contract. The PHP will require that the physician undergo an assessment by a treatment provider which will determine what course of treatment will be provided. There will also be random urine screens, required attendance at Twelve Step Meetings, group and/or individual therapy and workplace monitors.
The PHP Program is confidential, but physicians must disclose their participation to their employer. The employer will send periodic reports to the PHP.
It is important that you speak with an attorney skilled in addiction issues before you contact the PHP.
Professional Health Monitoring Program (PHMP)
The Professional Health Monitoring Programs (PHMP) of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) is a program by which professionals suffering from a physical or mental impairment such as drug or alcohol addiction will be given the opportunity to seek appropriate treatment and be monitored in their practice. The PHP includes two programs, the Voluntary Recovery Program (VRP) and the Disciplinary Monitoring Unit (DMU).
Voluntary Recovery Programs (VRP)
The VRP offers a confidential treatment and monitoring program for professionals suffering from drug and alcohol or mental health issues.
To be eligible for VRP enrollment, a licensee must enter into a Consent Agreement with the licensing board for a period no less than 3 years. This Agreement will stipulate that disciplinary action will be deferred while the licensee adheres to the terms and conditions of the treatment program.
If the licensee fails to adhere to the terms of the Consent Agreement, the licensee may be subject to an automatic 3 year minimum suspension of their license. If a licensee successfully fulfills the terms of the Consent Agreement, no disclosure of public record is made of their participation in the VRP Program.
Disciplinary Monitoring Unite (DMU)
After the licensing board has placed a licensee on probation, the DMU monitors that probation in order to determine that the licensee complies with all terms imposed by the licensing board. All of the BPOA licensing boards may refer licensees to the DMU for monitoring.
Dealing with Underlying Issues
When you secure our services, we will not only examine the evidence related to your administrative hearing, but also look at the core factors that have led to an investigation. By looking at the issues first, we can help you take voluntary, proactive steps to get the assistance you need and avoid the loss of your professional license.
Preserving your professional standing in the communities in which you serve is our priority at The Law Offices of Brian E. Quinn. If you would like to speak with an attorney about your impending administrative hearing or about some other aspect of the professional license defense process, contact us today. Call 1-866-657-7318.
