Substance Abuse in Nevada and in Physicians - Broadhead

Question 1

What is the lifetime prevalence rate for substance dependence among physicians?

Answer 1

The same as the general population - 8 to 14%. Dependence rates are higher in men than women physicians.

Question 2

Residents and medical students have higher rates of using what as compared to age matched peers outside of medicine?

Answer 2

They have higher rates of use of alcohol, benzos and opiates. This pattern continues for practicing physicians.

Question 3

What are some conditions that probably contribute to substance abuse in physicians?

Answer 3

1. MD’s tend to diagnose and treat selves
2. they tend to seek inappropriate consults
3. they tend to use close friends as physicians
4. they have easier access to drugs

Question 4

Are physicians allowed to administer, dispense or prescribe a controlled substance for themselves?

Answer 4

No.

Question 5

When is disciplinary action taken against a physician in regards to substance abuse?

Answer 5

1. when drugs or alcohol interfere with their safe practice of medicine
2. if the physician is dependent on drugs or alcohol
3. if a physician fails to report any person the licensee knows or has reason to know is in violation of the state rules in regards to drugs and alcohol

Question 6

What is JCAHO?

Answer 6

The joint commission on accreditation of healthcare organizations.

Question 7

What are some rules that JCAHO requires of hospitals?

Answer 7

1. hospitals must handle physician health separate from physician discipline
2. must educate staff about physician health and impairment
3. mus have procedures to identify impaired physicians to be referred for evaluation and treatment
   Many hospitals turn to state health programs to help with these processes.

Question 8

There are substance abuse programs to help physicians. What are their goals?

Answer 8

1. to help assure physicians are able to practice safely
2. to help guide physicians through treatment
3. to help physicians to return to practice based on their health and wellness
4. to advocate for resumption of career for physicians successfully through treatment
5. to have practices in place to monitor physicians for 5 years after treatment

Question 9

Long term treatment and monitoring of physicians treated for substance abuse is critical to what?

Answer 9

Good outcomes. Length of treatment does correspond to success of treatment.

Question 10

Physicians who are not treated for substance abuse have higher what as compared to counterparts in society?

Answer 10

They have higher mortality rates associated with the substance abuse.