Healthcare is a demanding and oftentimes emotionally overwhelming occupation. This article addresses how to save your healthcare license with HPRP, or the Health Professional Recovery Program.
Pursuing a career in the healthcare field requires determination and intelligence. Moreover, certain careers within the field require a special license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (“LARA”).
This license isn’t indefinite and is subject to certain terms and conditions. Unfortunately, the penalties for violating the terms and conditions can be harsh and unforgiving. Learn about HPRP, Health Professional Recovery Program, and how it can save your career and your life.
One of the most common violations stems from substance abuse. Obviously, healthcare professionals aren’t immune from the stress and pressure of everyday life.
Therefore, substance abuse is common within the field. The result of an unresolved substance abuse issue is usually a run-in with the law. Additionally, a criminal conviction can cause a complete revocation of your license.
Fortunately, there are programs (and law firms) available to help.
Would you benefit from HPRP? We can help you. Request a free consultation now.
What is the Health Professional Recovery Program?
The Health Professional Recovery Program (HPRP) is a substance abuse/mental health recovery program sponsored by the state of Michigan. Essentially, it’s a roadmap to recovery for healthcare professionals. Often, entrants determine on their own that certain behaviors or substance abuse cannot continue. However, they lack the resources and structure to properly address these issues.
What are the benefits of the HPRP?
The HPRP is designed to review your specific circumstances and provide you with the means to conquer your substance abuse. Some of these programs include individual and group counseling, random drug testing, and workplace monitoring. Despite the penalties for non-compliance, this program is responsible for saving the licenses of numerous health professionals.
How to enroll in the HPRP
There are two ways in which a healthcare professional can be enrolled in the program:
- They may voluntarily apply to the program.
- They could be formally ordered into the program.
Is participation in the HPRP kept confidential?
Any non-compliance (and subsequent removal from the program) may be reported to the Bureau of Professional Licensing. Addressing the issue before a healthcare professional finds themselves in trouble is key. Participation on a voluntarily level is kept confidential.Unfortunately, if someone is ordered to this program by the board of licensing, the person’s participation is not kept confidential.
When is the best time to enroll in the HPRP?
Participation is often in response to violations (reported by employer or criminal conviction) made known to the licensing board. While this process follows voluntary enrollment (creating a roadmap to recovery), the consequences for failing to comply are harsher. Moreover, one may be kept to a stricter standard regarding their monitoring.
Overall, it’s more beneficial to voluntarily enroll in this program. Additionally, it’s best to cope with any substance abuse/mental health concerns before a regulatory body intervenes. If a healthcare professional encounters a substance abuse issue, it’s imperative that they consider the positive benefits of the HPRP.
While these activities may not sound appealing, it’s best to participate in a program specifically designed for healthcare professionals.
Determining your Future as a Healthcare Professional
Ultimately, the decision to seek help is your own. However, your decision will not just impact your long-term health and wellness, but the future of your professional license.
You shouldn’t have to scramble around to find someone that can help you. If you’re facing substance abuse related offenses, we can help you navigate both the legal and administrative issues.
Your future is too important to be bounced around between different attorneys. Our experience with HPRP will help you avoid the common pitfalls and successfully completing the program.
So, can you save your healthcare license with HPRP? Absolutely, and we want to help you to do so.
Would you benefit from HPRP? We can help you. Request a free consultation now.
Barton Morris has been a well respected and premier attorney in Michigan for over 20 years. In every area of law he has practiced he has excelled to the top of his field always ensuring that his clients receive the highest and best level of service available. He is the principal attorney at the Law Office of Barton Morris which is comprised of a small number of attorneys all of whom share in his vision to improve the lives of their clients with superior service and exemplary results. When it comes to criminal defense, Barton’s reputation is stellar. He has been teaching lawyers all over the country as a faculty member of the DUI Defense Lawyer’s Association and as the President of the Michigan Association of OWI Lawyers. Barton is the only attorney in Michigan certified by the American Chemical Society as a Forensic-Lawyer Scientist. He is also the only criminal defense lawyer to present to the Forensic Science Division of the Michigan State Police at their annual conference. Barton was also the only chosen criminal defense attorney to present to the Michigan State Police’s Impaired Driving Commission on the issues of driving under the influence of marijuana. Regarding marijuana, he has also very well known and respected. Barton played an instrumental role in the legalization of adult use marijuana in Michigan with the successful Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in November of 2018 (he was also part of the failed campaign in 2016). Barton is currently the chair-elect of the Cannabis Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and will Chair that section in 2023-2024. He is the founder of the Cannabis Legal Group which has been delivering expert legal services to the commercial medical and AU industry since 2015. Barton has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2015 and a Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine annually. He regularly appears as a guest legal commentator on Fox 2, Let it Rip, WXYZ, NPR, and WWJ. He is also regularly interviewed and quoted in the Detroit Free Press, Metro Times and MLive. But despite all of his accomplishments, he believes his most important are the amazing results he and his firm has and continue to obtain for his clients over the years.