Our clinical staff triages all referrals and determines the appropriate course of action. Corroboration from discrete outside sources may be necessary and the professional is contacted to schedule a meeting with WPHP. The WPHP initial assessment process explores reported concerns and determines the need for further evaluation and/or treatment. If additional evaluation and/or treatment is not necessary, WPHP provides endorsement that the professional can return to work. When additional evaluation or treatment is indicated, our clinical team determines acceptable options.

WPHP provides services to allopathic, osteopathic and podiatric physicians, dentists, veterinarians, physician assistants, as well as students and residents of these disciplines. Active licensure is not a requirement for participation.

If you are a healthcare professional who self-refers to WPHP, you will not be reported to your disciplinary authority unless you are not compliant with WPHP’s recommendations and/or pose a risk to yourself or others.

The identity of referral sources is safeguarded to the maximum extent permitted by law. Additionally, Washington State law provides immunity from civil liability to all reporting sources, whether it is a fellow healthcare professional, a family member, or another concerned party. Please refer to Washington Administrative Code 246-16-200 through 246-16-270 for reporting requirements for healthcare professionals, employers of healthcare professionals, hospitals, and others licensed by the Department of Health in the state of Washington. License holders are required to identify any other licensed professional who has a physical or mental condition that may affect his or her ability to practice with reasonable safety. When there has been no incident of patient harm, reports of potential impairment as a result of such conditions can be submitted to WPHP or to the Department of Health. We strongly recommend that a concerned party fulfill this requirement by contacting WPHP.

Patient safety incidents must be reported to the Department of Health. A call to WPHP does not fulfill your reporting obligation when there has been clear patient harm as a result of a healthcare professional’s impairment (WAC 246-16-220). A call to WPHP does not fulfill your reporting obligation if the healthcare professional has committed sexual misconduct. The Department of Health’s definitions of such behaviors can be found here: WAC 246-16-100.

There are no fees associated with the initial referral with the exception of lab fees when toxicology screening is indicated. Clients who enter into a health support agreement are billed for services which may include toxicology screens and facilitated group meetings.

WPHP does not accept insurance. Most insurance policies do not provide coverage for WPHP services.

WPHP provides services to allopathic, osteopathic and podiatric physicians, dentists, veterinarians, physician assistants, as well as students and residents of these disciplines. Active licensure is not a requirement for participation. If you are not one of the preceding professionals, we can refer you to another program within the state.

Please see our Family Services & Support Section

In some cases, recurrent disruptive or unprofessional behavior may be the result of a health condition. After initial efforts to address the behavior have not been successful, a referral to WPHP may be an appropriate next step. WPHP will work with the professional to identify and address health issues that may be causing or contributing to the behavior. In the absence of an impairing, or potentially impairing, health condition, WPHP can offer support and resources but does not usually recommend a health support agreement.

In our experience, persistent disruptive behavior that is not due to a health condition is best managed through the employer or credentialing entity’s process for remediation and progressive discipline.