The North Dakota Professional Health Program (NDPHP) supports physicians, physician assistants, medical students, residents, dentists, veterinarians, and other healthcare professionals who may benefit from monitoring, wellness support, referrals, or recovery-focused services.
Professional impairment occurs when a health condition, mental health concern, substance use disorder, physical condition, or other circumstance significantly affects a healthcare professional’s ability to safely and effectively carry out their professional responsibilities.
NDPHP’s mission is to promote professional well-being and patient safety by identifying concerns early and connecting professionals with appropriate support and resources.
Participation in a Monitoring Agreement does not require a person to be impaired. In many cases, Monitoring Agreements are designed to provide accountability, support, and structure while concerns are being addressed.
NDPHP’s goal is to help healthcare professionals proactively maintain their health, well-being, and professional practice. Early intervention and supportive monitoring can help address concerns before they affect professional performance, licensure, employment, or patient care.
Monitoring Agreements can also serve as a valuable tool for demonstrating a professional’s commitment to wellness and safe practice. In some circumstances, participation may help provide objective documentation that an individual is fit to practice and able to safely carry out their professional responsibilities. NDPHP works collaboratively with professionals, treatment providers, employers, and licensing boards, when appropriate, to support positive outcomes and professional success.
Anyone with concerns about a healthcare professional’s well-being, professional functioning, mental health, substance use, or ability to practice safely may make a referral to NDPHP.
This may include colleagues, employers, family members, educators, healthcare providers, licensing boards, or the professional themselves.
Referrals may be submitted in several ways:
Individuals making referrals are required to provide contact information; however, NDPHP will not disclose that information without permission unless required by law.
Anyone with concerns about a healthcare professional’s well-being, professional functioning, mental health, substance use, or ability to practice safely is encouraged to contact NDPHP for guidance and support.
Voluntary participation is generally confidential. Licensing boards are not routinely notified when a participant voluntarily engages with NDPHP and remains in good standing with their Monitoring Agreement.
NDPHP may be required to notify the appropriate licensing board if there are significant concerns regarding public safety, violations of a Monitoring Agreement, or other circumstances required by law or board regulations.
NDPHP is committed to protecting participant privacy.
Information is generally kept confidential in accordance with applicable laws, program requirements, and professional standards. Exceptions may apply when there are concerns related to patient safety, legal obligations, or requirements established by a licensing board or Monitoring Agreement.
NDPHP understands that receiving a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge or arrest can be a stressful and uncertain experience for healthcare professionals. Our role is to provide guidance, support, and advocacy as you navigate the process.
Not all DUI arrests result in a requirement for monitoring through NDPHP. Recommendations are based on an individualized review that may include intake information, evaluations, treatment recommendations, licensing board requirements, and other relevant factors.
NDPHP can help connect you with appropriate resources, coordinate evaluations when needed, assist you in understanding potential professional implications, and advocate for your wellness throughout the process. Our goal is to support healthcare professionals in addressing concerns, maintaining their well-being, and demonstrating their ability to practice safely when appropriate.
If you have questions following a DUI arrest, we encourage you to contact NDPHP as early as possible so we can help you understand your options and next steps.
Participants are responsible for costs related to evaluations, treatment services, toxicology testing, monitoring requirements, and NDPHP administrative fees.
Many clinical services, including counseling, behavioral health treatment, and other medically necessary services, may be covered by health insurance. Participants should consult their insurance provider regarding coverage and benefits.
Practice status is determined on an individual basis and depends on factors such as evaluation findings, treatment recommendations, workplace considerations, and licensing board requirements.
Some participants may continue practicing while engaged in monitoring, while others may be asked to temporarily step away from practice during evaluation or treatment. Return-to-practice recommendations are typically guided by treatment providers, evaluators, employers, and licensing authorities when applicable.
In some situations, employer involvement is an important part of the monitoring process.
Employers may assist by providing workplace observations, completing periodic reports, or helping support the participant’s successful return to or continuation of practice. Information shared with employers is limited to what is necessary to support monitoring, workplace safety, and professional accountability.
A referral should be made as soon as concerns arise regarding a healthcare professional’s well-being, professional functioning, mental health, substance use, behavioral health, or ability to practice safely.
Early identification and support often lead to better outcomes for both the professional and the patients they serve. NDPHP encourages proactive referrals and self-referrals to help healthcare professionals access resources, monitoring, and support before concerns become more significant.
Up to 20% of Healthcare providers will be affected by a mental illness or substance use disorder during their lifetime.