Policy and Procedures – The Physicians' Health Foundation of Louisiana

Policies and Procedures

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Drug Testing

All participants are required to check-in Monday through Friday, 5:00AM - 5:00PM. If a participant is selected to screen, they MUST screen that day. If there are any questions, contact your HPFL case manager. Be sure to keep a copy of all chain of custody records.
Reporting

If you or someone you know requires assistance with an impairment, you may contact HPFL directly at 225-291-5000 and select extension 12 or 13. We will guide you through the details of the specific licensing board in question.
Confidentiality

One of the HPFL's primary goals is confidentiality. We do not release third party records, communicate without consent, or distribute participant specific data. For any records request, complete a release of information form and send it to your case manager for processing.
Document Submission

For participants to submit documentation, please use email (preferred, word or PDF file to case manager) or fax (225-291-5400). All documents are due by the 10th of the following month.

Status Reports

We begin processing all reports on the next business day after the 10th. Typically, all reports are sent our by the 15th. To initiate a report, please complete a release of information form and/or speak to your case manager.

Confidentiality

The Healthcare Professionals’ Foundation of Louisiana highly values the confidentiality of both participants and those making reports or referrals. It is our policy to neither confirm nor deny any individual’s involvement in the program without prior written consent. In addition, we maintain the confidentiality of those making reports concerning the actual or potential impairment of a physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, medical psychologist, dentist, or dental hygienist (healthcare professional).

Of noteworthy importance, the assistance offered by the HPFL is confidential. For example, any professional who is experiencing a problem with substance use for which they have not been adequately treated or monitored, can access the HPFL’s services without any obligation on the part of the HPFL to notify the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) or the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry (LSBD). In fact, a professional participating in the HPFL for the first time can answer “No” on their license renewal to questions #1 and #2.

There are some circumstances which the HPFL is mandated to report to the LSBME or LSBD. For instance, there is an obligation to inform when it receives information indicating a health care professional has diverted prescription drugs for trade or sale, information of a professional engaging in inappropriate behavior with a patient (boundary violation), or a return to substance use once in the program. However, in all cases, the LSBME, LSBD, and the HPFL PHP mutually support early detection and treatment of professionals.

Policies and Procedures

Drug Testing

Reporting

Confidentiality

Document Submission

Status Reports

Confidentiality

Contact Information