Diversion Program

A confidential program for the rehabilitation of physician assistants impaired due to chemical dependency

What is the Diversion Program?
The purpose of the Diversion Program is to identify and seek means to rehabilitate physician assistants whose competency is impaired due to abuse of drugs and/or alcohol. The Diversion Program is designed so that impaired physician assistants can be counseled, guided to appropriate treatment, and returned to practice in a manner, which will not endanger public health or safety. Services provided include:

• Confidential consultation with professionals in the field of chemical dependency
• Intervention services
• Assessment and referral for treatment
• Development of a rehabilitation plan
• Monitoring participation and compliance
• Encouragement and support

Why this Service?
An alcohol or drug problem left untreated may cause the physician assistant to risk his or her health or life and the safety of patients. The Diversion Program provides hope, help, and alternatives to physician assistants experiencing such problems.

There are Places to Turn for Help.
Physician Assistants are not immune from the disease of chemical dependency. In fact, there may be an even greater risk of such problems among medical professionals due to the availability and accessibility of drugs in the workplace and the work-related stresses to which most physician assistants are exposed.

Not recognizing or dealing with chemical dependency problems can make them more serious and difficult to solve. Often, the impaired individual is too close to the problem to be objective and his or her individual efforts only result in more stresses, increasing the severity of the situation.

The first step in dealing with a chemical dependency problem is for the individual to admit that he or she has a problem. Having trouble handling problems isn't an easy thing to admit to another person. Unfortunately, professionals often buy into the myth that, as professionals, they should be able to handle their chemical dependency problems alone.

What is a tremendous burden to one person can become a lighter load when shared with someone trained to counsel and help others with chemical dependency.

Who Provides the Service?
The State of California Physician Assistant Committee has contracted with MAXIMUS, Inc. to provide confidential intervention, assessment, referral, and monitoring services.

Founded in 1975, MAXIMUS has served thousands of local, state, and federal government clients. MAXIMUS is a team of dedicated, talented, and conscientious professionals, who through their daily efforts in the support of the government, improve the lives of individuals and families across the country.

Who is Eligible?
This innovative program accepts referrals on a voluntary basis. Any State of California licensed physician assistant who is residing in the state and experiencing an alcohol and/or drug problem can voluntarily seek assistance by contacting the MAXIMUS 24-hour toll-free number: (800) 522-9198. All voluntary requests for information and assistance are strictly confidential. The committee may also refer eligible physician assistants, who are impaired by chemical dependency, from its disciplinary proceedings to this voluntary program.

A Confidential Service for Voluntary Participation.
All information with the program is confidential by law. It is not subject to discovery or subpoena. It is not accessible for disciplinary purposes. Those who use the program are assured that their problem and its disposition will remain confidential. The committee is only notified of the unsuccessful completions of individuals who were referred by the committee as part of, or in lieu of, any disciplinary action.

Referral to the Program.
Persons wanting to obtain information, arrange an intervention, or apply to the Diversion Program may contact MAXIMUS at (800) 522-9198.

Family, friends, employers, and colleagues are also encouraged to contact the program for information and assistance. MAXIMUS can provide consultative assistance to any concerned party in developing a strategy or techniques for confronting and positively motivating a physician assistant, whom they perceive as troubled or impaired, to seek assistance.

If consultation is needed regarding the relationship of the program to the committee, the types of services available, confidentiality issues and the benefits of participation in the program, the Physician Assistant Committee's Diversion Program Coordinator may be contacted at (916) 561-8780 and press 5.

For information or assistance,
Call any time, day or night:

1-800-522-9198