The Texas Medical Board has announced the creation of a new statewide program to help physicians with drug or alcohol problems. A Sugar Land resident has been appointed as one of the 11 governing board members.
The program, called the Texas Physician Health Program, is designed to protect the public by encouraging health professionals to seek assistance with drug or alcohol-related problems or mental or physical conditions that present a potentially dangerous limitation or inability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety.
State medical board officials described the new effort as “a confidential, non-disciplinary program for physicians, physician assistants, acupuncturists and surgical assistants licensed by the Texas Medical Board.”
It also covers those who have applied for licensure.
The program was created by Senate Bill 292 of the 81st Texas Legislature and went into effect Sept. 1, 2009. It is modeled on other states’ programs and was a joint effort of the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association and the Texas Medical Board. The program is self-funded through user fees. The cost for participation in the program is $1,200 per year.
The program accepts self-referrals, as well as referrals from the Texas Medical Board, concerned colleagues, hospitals and others. The program is overseen by experts in mental health and substance abuse issues.
The Texas Physician Health Program recommends treatment for physicians when clinically indicated, and monitors their ongoing recovery. A monitoring program may include random drug screens; written reports from counselors or therapists; self reports provided by the physician in recovery; and written verification of attendance at self-help or support group meetings.
Individuals are not eligible to participate in the program if they have violated the standard of care as a result of drugs or alcohol, committed a boundary violation with a patient or patient’s family or been convicted of a felony.
The program is administered by the Texas Medical Board, but overseen by an 11-member governing board.
Governing board members recently appointed by TMB President Dr. Irvin Zeitler include Brady Allen, M.D., of Dallas; Eugene Boisaubin, M.D., of Houston; Mary Boone, LCSW, LCDC, of Austin; Ronald Brenz, D.O., of San Antonio; Judy Googins, M.D., of Tyler; John Jackson, M.D., of Fort Worth; Alison Jones, M.D., of Austin; Helaine Lane of Houston; Anand Mehendale, M.D., of Kerrville; Melinda Moore, PA-C, of Sugar Land; and Russell Thomas Jr., D.O., of Eagle Lake.
The Medical Director of the Texas Physician Health Program is Dr. Lloyd Garland.
