Initial Interview
Practitioners who are referred or self-referred to the WV Medical Professionals Health Program (WVMPHP) for assistance and guidance usually participates in an initial in-office interview. The interview is a personal “one to one” meeting with didactic communication where the practitioner can feel comfortable to share the pertinent details surrounding the reason for referral. The interview gathers pertinent health, detailed history, licensure status, collaterals and may obtain necessary laboratory testing. Also, the interview includes a detailed and thorough review of the WVMPHP operations/processes/legislation and case management oversight.
*Practitioners are informed in detail of the voluntary-confidential participation and compliance requirements of the WVMPHP during the initial assessment phase.
Evaluation
Based upon the outcome of the initial interview, the WVMPHP may provide recommendations for a referral to either individual qualified and approved clinicians or evaluation /treatment facilities for an evaluation and/or treatment. These qualified and approved clinicians and evaluation/treatment facilities have the expertise and cohort specific experience in the evaluation of the safety-sensitive occupation of healthcare professionals. These evaluators provide a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation which includes, history & physical, psychiatric, psychological, substance use, neuropsychological / neurocognitive testing and input from family, friends and colleagues.
In planning the course of evaluation and/or treatment for participants in the WVMPHP program, consideration is given to the participant’s health and well-being, including physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual health. Consideration may be given to environmental and social issues as well.
The purpose of the evaluation is to navigate the Practitioners health condition(s) and obtain treatment recommendations, if any.
*It is important to note the staff members of the WVMPHP are NOT treatment providers for participants.
*The WVMPHP provides the Practitioner with a list of qualified and approved clinicians or evaluation / treatment facilities in which to review and select where they wish to obtain an evaluation.
*All providers, evaluation/treatment facilities and individual clinicians must be among approved evaluation and treatment providers utilized by the WVMPHP and appropriate licensure board(s).
Treatment
When an evaluation reveals treatment is recommended: The treatment of a substance use disorder or mental health illness and any associated co-morbidities could be completed at the same qualified and approved facility which performed the evaluation; or the Practitioner is free to choose and revisit the approved facility provider list provided in which to complete treatment, the choice is theirs.
*These approved treatment facilities offer a “professionals program” specific for healthcare professionals.
Upon completion of treatment, the treatment team, the Practitioner and the WVMPHP will discuss aftercare monitoring and return to work plans. A WVMPHP monitoring agreement will be formulated based upon the treatment aftercare plan.