Set policy to handle impaired providers with process to assess, test, refer         

Why This Topic Matters

Impaired clinicians can create patient safety, employment, and liability concerns. The article explains the broad policy and process issues organizations should consider when responding to suspected impairment.

Article Sections

1. Know their rights

   This section addresses general employment and disability-law considerations that may affect how a practice responds to an impaired provider. It also references institutional authority and oversight structures in larger organizations.

2. Small practice process

   This section describes how smaller practices may handle suspected impairment through informal internal processes, peer discussions, diversion pathways, and escalation to licensing or disciplinary bodies when needed.

3. 7 musts for dealing with impaired providers

   This section outlines broad elements of a formal response framework for suspected impairment, including confirmation, respectful communication, rights awareness, temporary removal from duties, referral, monitoring, accommodation, and aftercare.