After an interview with the Medical Director, the physician is offered recommendations for appropriate evaluation and treatment, at his or her own expense, in exchange for MPHP advocacy. The MPHP works closely with the treating facility to develop recommendations for re-entry into practice and ongoing monitoring. Aftercare typically involves monitoring by MPHP for a minimum of five years, and all requirements for advocacy are documented in an individualized contract with the physician.
The mission of the Mississippi Physician Health Program is to ensure the health of all Mississippians through assurance of healthy physicians and physician assistants.
The Vision of the Mississippi Physician Health Program is to ensure a healthy Mississippi served by a healthy physician workforce.
Physicians receiving advocacy of MPHP practice medicine safely and actually have a lower risk of adverse outcomes, which helps to guarantee a healthy Mississippi physician workforce. Over 90 percent of MPHP participants have confirmed stable recovery and return to productive medical practices. Advocacy is available for State Boards of Medical Licensure, Medical Staffs, Colleagues, Employers, Provider Panels, Malpractice Carriers, etc. Ultimately, utilization of MPHP services is a preferable alternative to disciplinary action, in terms of public safety and cost savings, which benefits all Mississippians.
- Alcoholism and other drug dependencies
- Other addictions
- Mental illness/emotional illness
- Personality disorders
- Distressed physician issues
- Physical/cognitive impairments
- Consultation with Medical Staff
- Services/Committees
- Evaluation/Intervention/Monitoring of the Impaired Professionals
- Assistance with JCAHO Impaired
- Physician Standards
- CME Lectures
MPHP offers assistance to the distressed professional with other psychiatric illnesses, personality issues or problems related to burnout. MPHP is available for consultation and works closely with hospitals, medical schools, and other institutions to provide educational activities related to addiction, prescribing controlled substances, professionalism, and a variety of other topics.
MPHP services are available to physicians (MDs and DOs), medical students, residents, podiatrists, and physician assistants.
MPHP accepts referrals from any source including colleagues, hospitals, regulatory agencies, office staff, treatment centers, family, and friends. MPHP aggressively protects the confidentiality and anonymity of both program participants and referents. The anonymity of our program encourages self-referrals and early intervention, which protects patients and saves our participants’ careers.
FAQ
Yes, if you are not being monitored in another state or have never been treated, your participation is confidential. This means that the MS Medical Board has no knowledge that you are a participant in the MPHP. However, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.
If you have been prescribed a new medicine, complete the Medication form and fax/email/mail it to your MPHP case manager. For any procedure or new prescription, contact your medication monitor and follow the guidelines in your contract. Please ask your treating professional to forward documentation (including a copy of the prescription, quantity prescribed, number of refills, dosage, and treatment duration) to your MPHP case manager.
Yes, MPHP can take anonymous referrals but is unable to enforce participation in the MPHP. If you have questions or concerns regarding anonymous referrals or self-referrals, please contact our office. We will be happy to assist you in this matter.
A release-of-information form, which can be obtained from our website under “Participant Forms,” must be submitted before any information can be sent to a requesting agency. Please provide a release form and a letter when requesting a status report on a participant.
Yes, it is recommended that you participate in the MPHP if you are applying for, or have applied for, a MS license and are in recovery. The MPHP can assist participants by monitoring and gathering documentation from meeting attendance, treatment providers, urine drug screens, and monthly check-ins with your case manager. Being a participant in the MPHP program may be beneficial in verifying stability and commitment to recovery.