What if I Have a Substance Abuse Issue as a Medical Professional?

It may be becoming more and more of a reality to you that you, sadly, have a substance abuse issue. This issue may have gotten to the point of affecting your work. And if you are a medical professional who works with patients daily, you must address this issue immediately. With that being said, please read on to discover what to do if you are a medical professional with a substance abuse issue and how a seasoned New York substance abuse lawyer at Walker Medical Law can get you the help you so desperately need. 

What should I do if I have a substance abuse issue as a medical professional?

The first step toward recovering from your substance abuse issue is admitting that you have a problem in the first place. Therefore, you must take it upon yourself to come forward to the Committee on Physicians Health, a committee set up by the New York State Medical Board. This Committee may assist you in admitting yourself into a rehabilitation program and guide you through the other steps toward recovery. 

Of note, after your time spent in a rehabilitation program, you may be expected to submit to random drug testing (i.e., random urine screens) at your place of work. You may also be asked to attend frequent recovery meetings. On the bright side, though, at least you can return to work as a medical professional, rather than having your privilege to practice stripped from you due to your past substance abuse issue. 

What happens if I do not address my substance abuse issue?

It cannot be stressed enough that you should report your substance abuse issue rather than letting it get to a point that a patient, colleague, or employer must report it. This is because this third party may report it to the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) or Office of Professional Discipline (OPD). And with the OPMC’s or OPD’s involvement, you may ultimately have your license taken away.

Now, it may be taken away for far longer than the time you spend in a rehabilitation program. In a worst-case scenario, it may be revoked permanently. This is because the OPMC or OPD may deem that you put a patient or patients in harm’s way by treating them when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Further, the Board may conclude that you continued to act negligently toward your patients by ignoring your substance abuse issue for weeks, months, or even years. 

If you are looking for more clarity on the matter, please allow one of the competent OPMC/OPD misconduct defense lawyers to offer it to you. Schedule an appointment with Walker Medical Law today.