Professionals who have invested hard work, years of study, tens of thousands of dollars, and even their sense of identity into establishing a career are highly motivated to protect that investment.

If you suspect you have, or are suspected of having, a chemical dependency, you will want to know about Michigan's Healthcare Professionals Recovery Program. The state initiated the program for two purposes:

• To protect patients from professionals affected by addiction
• To assist healthcare professionals suffering from addiction

Who May Use the Program

A wide variety of professionals may take advantage of HPRP, from acupuncturists to veterinarians. For a complete list and further description of HPRP click here:

http://www.hprp.org/hprp/

Professionals enter the program in various ways. If you are sanctioned, you may be ordered to enter the program. If you are under investigation by an administrative board, entering the program may help you avoid sanction. If you are struggling with a problem, you might consider voluntarily participating.

There are reasons to think hard before going into HPRP, however. If you begin but do not successfully complete the program, failure can be reported to the Bureau of Health Professions, and you could then face sanctions. If you refuse to comply with requirements of the program, you could be terminated from it. If you withdraw, this can likewise bring consequences.

Obligation to Report a Problem

Performance problems are reported to either the HPRP or the Department of Community Health, Bureau of Health Professions. In some instances, those aware of dangers posed by dependency are required to report it.

Confidentiality

If you complete the program, all records are destroyed five years after the date of successful completion. Records of HPRP are protected — even from requests for disclosure by subpoena or under the Freedom of Information Act.

Michigan Healthcare Lawyer

The attorneys at Paluda P.C. believe that the foundation for success in the legal arena is a strong attorney-client relationship. As such, we get to know our clients, by understanding their anxieties, and hopes for the future. We seek to break down the traditional barrier between the client and the attorney — to forge a productive relationship based on trust and mutual understanding. Contact a Michigan Healthcare Attorney.