The Physician Recovery Network (PRN) is a confidential, non-coercive and non-punitive alternative to formal disciplinary action offered by the Idaho State Board of Medicine. The PRN is a program to facilitate prevention, identification, intervention, and rehabilitation for Idaho physicians or physician assistants who have, or are at risk for developing disorders, which are associated with functional impairment, or suffering from chemical abuse or dependency, mental health issues, or behavioral problems. The PRN works in a manner consistent with the laws and medical practice acts of the State of Idaho to provide a safe environment in a medical setting and in conjunction with the Idaho Medical Association.
The purpose of the program is to assist professionals and their families in identifying alcohol, drug, or behavioral problems that pose a potential threat to that professional, the family, or the patients/clients. The PRN will work to identify and facilitate acute treatment and to provide long-term support for the professional to return to a productive place within his/her profession. While the program provides no direct counseling, treatment, or aftercare services, it does support and endorse the development of self-help groups at the local level.
The PRN is a resource for professionals, their families, colleagues, and other affiliates. Disciplinary action does little to intervene in the disease process and may frequently be counterproductive to identification and professional reintegration. Treatment has proven to be effective for both the individual and society. By providing professionals an opportunity to enter into treatment and to recover from their diseases early in the disease process, the PRN can serve to minimize negative impacts on the professionals, patients/clients and their families and friends.
“Research repeatedly has shown that physicians generally fare much better than the general public following addiction treatment. Although accommodations may be needed (e.g., decreasing hours or eliminating night shifts), approximately 75% to 85% are able to return to work, do not use drugs, and lead a productive life. As a result, it has been suggested that this PHP treatment approach (including drug screening) should be implemented as the standard of care for all individuals with suspected addiction, not just physicians.”
Successful Treatment of Physicians With Addictions
Psychiatric Times. Vol. 26 No. 9 August 28, 2009
Five Year Outcomes of Physicians With Addictions
BMJ 2008;337:a2038
Self-Referral: An impaired physician, or physician assistant, who does not have official Stipulations and Orders as drafted by the Idaho State Board of Medicine, may be referred to the PRN program in person, or by an agent of the physician/physician assistant (family member, colleague, friend or employer).
Board of Medicine Referral: The Idaho State Board of Medicine will draft a formal Stipulations and Orders for the impaired physician. Part of the Stipulations and Orders will include a requirement to be under contract and maintain compliance with the PRN Program.
Visit the Idaho State Board of Medicine
Visit the Idaho Medical Association
Visit the Federation of State Physician Health Programs
There are a number of forms utilized by Southworth Associates in monitoring PRN participants. As a service to our Doctors, we have made some of these forms available (PDF format) for download at their convenience:
PRN Release of Information Form
PRN Yearly Prescription Update Form
PRN Client Activity Report (CAR) Form
From time to time we get some additonal information that we feel may be useful to program participants. As a service to our Physicians, we have made some of this information available for download at their convenience:
Medications containing alcohol
Guide to alcohol-free products
Additionally, there is a job placement service dedicated to helping physicians in recovery:
NeoVocatus seeks to be the premier, service oriented placement firm dedicated to placing physicians who have experienced addiction related set backs. In order to execute on our vision, we will work with state PHP's, Boards of Healing Arts, treatment programs, and healthcare organizations. We facilitate the placement of physicians in only suitable and supportive environments.
Southworth Associates is a proud member of both the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS) and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP).
