Hypothetical Question

[JuneSunflower]

If a person in the medical field seeks outside help, such as a suboxone doctor or rehab...can they loose their license.  This person does deal with patients and even though not  using to get high anymore, takes opiates to maintain.  This person is scared to contact outside help, but is sick & tired of using and has no one to help taper would need someone that lives in the house or nearby that could dish out what is needed to taper.  If contacted a suboxone dr., would they report to the health licensing department.  Since it is unethical to use while dealing with patients.  Any advice or thoughts welcome.
June

[pheggie101]

Well all i can add to that is the experience of my ex. She was using even buying them in the parking lot of the nursing home she worked at. She was a CNA and state lisenced. They caught on to her and gave her the option to go to rehab. She did but of course a forced rehab did not work. the State was notified and required regular testing and she failed and lost her job. So to that extent the state did get involved but as far as her records i do not know. Jim

[beachtowel]

some insurance company have it written in their contracts that drugs can be made public to their employer.......
In 99% of cases though The Federal Hippa Act protects you........

Years ago a lot of doctors were doing cocaine and got a pass if they went to rehab it probably left some type of styma on their records.........but not sure about today many laws are changing.......

If your worried about it then I would take a week off and lock myself at home and deal with it will it be hard very much so but can you do it absolutley.......then for sure nobody has to know....hypothetically speaking of course.......

[Anhedonio]

My doctor was addicted years ago. He was given the choice of going to rehab or losing his license. He chose rehab. So I would say the short answer is no, but probably can vary depending on the situation

[IBKleen]

I really don't know the law on that. However, I think "doctor-patient" confidentiality would apply. I went to a Sub doctor and he did not contact my regular physican. He left that up to me. That is the only experience I have.

There are quite a few nurses that come in here who could probably help you.

Take care.