Since 1993, the Physician Recovery Network (PRN) has confidentially served physicians and physician assistants struggling with substance use disorder. It provides confidential recovery from impairment without necessarily jeopardizing one’s medical license. Historically, the Idaho Board of Medicine (BOM) has contracted with the IMA, which then subcontracted program management to Southworth Associates, who worked with the physician-led PRN committee. While re-awarding the contract in 2019, BOM found it was out of compliance with state procurement processes and worked to put it out for competitive bid. 

At about the same time, Governor Brad Little combined 47 self-governing agencies into the Idaho Division of Occupational & Professional Licensure (IDOPL) to address Federal Trade Commission concerns and create administrative efficiency. Eventually, the PRN contract was reshaped by the IDOPL Health Division to combine multiple health professions’ recovery programs into a single contract to serve licensees of various types (e.g., physicians, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians). Finally, this January, IDOPL awarded the contract directly to Southworth Associates. Throughout this time, IMA has strongly defended the effectiveness of the PRN committee’s performance over the years and fought against any dilution with the new contract going forward.

As of April 1, 2023 the Physician Recovery Network (PRN) will be called the Health Professionals Recovery Program (HPRP). HPRP is a confidential, non-coercive program that aids with prevention, identification, intervention, and rehabilitation for licensed medical professionals: physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other health division licensees. IDOPL agrees that the PRN Committee is an example of a successful partnership between physicians and the professionally trained recovery staff of Southworth and IDOPL and has decided to leave it intact, although it will function a little differently.

 Katie Stuart is the Executive Officer for IDOPL who runs HPRP. She is interested in helping educate medical staff about the program and the resource she and Southworth Associates can be for those struggling with substance use or mental health issues. 

If you would like to have her present or inquire about more information, you can reach Katie Stuart by email or (208) 577-2489 or Southworth Associates Program Manager, Tina Baird, (844) 521-0523

IDOPL is committed to supporting licensees seeking appropriate substance abuse interventions or mental health care. This is what professionals do and HPRP stands by ready to assist.  All inquiries about participation in HPRP may remain confidential and anonymous and will not automatically be reported to licensees' respective boards.

HPRP Brochure