Employers, co-workers, patients or self-referral to our programs. In the event the question of possible impairment arises in the workplace with regard to one of the above-named groups, the employer is obligated under Kansas Risk Management law to report the incident; many professionals’ codes of ethics also require a report to the appropriate professional association. A report to our program satisfies these reporting requirements and we strongly urge all employers and /or other referral sources to report to us first, rather than contacting the licensing board directly. 

We realize that possible impairment is often difficult to determine and a referral to our program protects the employee from immediate notification to the licensing board. This may also alleviate any reluctance on the referring individual’s part about the appropriateness of their action. We stress to anyone involved that concern about the individual employee and his or her practice is the key to making a referral to our program.

We also recommend the employer or referring person call our program prior to taking any action to intervene with the employee in order to review the documentation collected, discuss the situation, and decide the next course of action. Depending on the professional involved, our program may be available to assist with the intervention directly or to answer questions the employee will invariably have during and immediately after the intervention is completed.

SPS supports referred individuals by working with them to obtain a professional assessment geared toward their specific issues. Once assessed, professionals may receive ongoing help through monitoring which may include random drug testing, individual treatment, or group support.

SPS is a confidential, alternative to discipline, program for healthcare professionals. Those who self-refer can remain anonymous to their respective professional board and avoid any potential disciplinary action by the board, as long as they remain compliant with program requirements.

Initially, all persons referred to SPS receive an evaluation geared to assess potential problems that may impair their ability to practice safely. Upon receipt of the evaluation and review of additional support documentation, a recommendation for further monitoring, if warranted, is made to the respective professional board.

With very few exceptions, SPS participants are encouraged to continue to practice while in the program. In some cases, participation in SPS is a requirement for practice imposed by the individual’s professional licensing board.

All professionals enrolled in the SPS program are required to participate in random drug testing, submit documentation for all prescribed medications, and notify their employer of their participation in SPS. Employers are required to submit quarterly reports to SPS as to the participant’s work performance. In addition, SPS may require additional activities, including further evaluation, treatment, or other issues specific interventions.

Random drug testing occurs for SPS participants a minimum of one time per month. On average, a participant should anticipate between 12-15 test per year. Additional tests are added for abnormal or dilute test results.

Participants are required to check-in daily Monday thru Friday via internet or phone to determine testing status. An occasional failure to check-in is not a non-compliance with program requirements, unless there was a test scheduled on that date.

Occasionally drug tests will result as abnormal or dilute specimens. This result occurs when the creatinine level and/or specific gravity of the specimen is outside normal limits. While it may indicate an attempt to adulterate the specimen, it is usually caused by being over or under hydrated. Participants with abnormal or dilute results are automatically rescheduled for additional testing.

Each SPS participant signs an agreement which stipulates the requirements of their participant in, and successful completion of, the SPS program. Failure to meet any of these requirements is a non-compliance that requires notification of the appropriate professional board.

The respective professional board is notified of each non-compliance with the SPS program. As a result, the board may require an extension of participant time in the program, additional program requirements, or may choose to take disciplinary action.

There is a one-time charge of $100 for participants at the time of referral. Those participating in monitoring through SPS may or may not be responsible for a monthly fee, dependent on their profession. If the professional association pays all or a portion of the participation cost, the participant is responsible for the remainder. Typically, participant fees range from $55 to $90 per month.

SPS agreements are created with a specific time-frame of participation as defined by the program or the associated professional board. Once the agreed upon time-frame has been met, a participant must officially request release from the program. Following notification of official release, the participant is no longer required to meet program requirements and their SPS case is closed.