What is the purpose of Physician Health Programs?

• A. To provide continuing medical education
• B. To regulate licensing standards
• C. Diversion programs to prevent board action
• D. To fund research

Answer: (C)

Physician Health Programs exist to help doctors who have health problems, such as substance use or mental health issues, get confidential assessment, treatment, and ongoing monitoring while protecting patients. The key idea is to offer a structured path that diverts potential board discipline into a treatment plan with accountability, so the physician can recover and return to safe practice. Boards may defer or modify sanctions if the physician complies and stays safe, making PHPs a means to address harm before it leads to punitive action. This isn’t about continuing medical education, licensing standards, or funding research.