Wisconsin's Healthcare Professional Services Program
WisconsinPATH is being created to preserve the health care workforce and promote a healthier Wisconsin by supporting health care professionals facing mental health challenges, substance use, or other medical conditions that impact their well-being.
PROFESSIONALS
ACCESS
TO
HEALTH
Wisconsin is one of only a few states without a formal, nationally-recognized Professionals Health Program (PHP). PHPs are safe and confidential programs that support health care workers facing mental health, substance use, or other medical conditions that may impact their well-being.
Why Wisconsin needs it:
95%
80+%
47
of participants who finish PHP programs keep their license & careers
long-term recovery rates, far exceeding general treatment outcomes
US states have already recognized the need & established PHPs
Trusted & Effective
Profession-Focused
PHPs have a deep expertise in well-being and how to best support safety-sensitive professionals such as physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, and physician assistants.
Confidential
PHPs have confidentiality, legal, and licensure protections, and records are legally protected. They can accept a referral instead of a report to the licensing board when there are concerns of a medical condition impacting a practitioner’s ability to practice safely.
This diversion pathway allows clinicians to seek help without fear of losing a license.
Accountable
PHPs work with hospitals, credentialing bodies, and boards to assure safety, support recovery, and promote fitness-for-duty.
Providing help to those who are dedicated to helping others
WisconsinPATH is designed to serve those serving in health professions and directly advances two state priorities: preserving the health care workforce and promoting a healthier Wisconsin.
A safe haven
Supporting clinicians struggling with stress, burnout, or mental health including substance use issues & needing a safe place to start
Workforce protection
Early referrals prevent costly turnover, malpractice claims, & clinician loss to suicide
Providing expert help to health systems
Assisting employers observing changes in workplace performance, behavior, or reliability and need expert evaluation that separates workplace expectations from possible health issues
Supporting a culture of help-seeking
Normalizing support instead of punishment — this keeps more clinicians practicing and more patients safe
Empowering others
Helping a colleague or family member identify warning signs in someone they care about & have a safe place to refer them to for help
At the Capitol
We are making a strong case at the state capitol for a Health Professional Assistance Program
Wisconsin Medical Society is partnering with the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) for the planning and developing of Wisconsin's Healthcare Professional Services Program. Emulating best practices from across the country, the goal is to establish the premier PHP in the country with evidence-based results.
The Wisconsin Medical Society has been providing testimony at the state capitol alongside FSPHP President-Elect Edwin Kim, MD, and commending proposed legislation that would direct our state’s Department of Safety and Professional Services to contract with our program.
Roll-Out Phases
The development and launch of WisconsinPATH will take place in phases to ensure a strong and sustainable foundation.
01
Phase 1 will focus on establishing the program to support physicians, dentists, and pharmacists.
02
Phase 2 will expand services to include all other licensed healthcare workers in the state, except Licensed Practical and Registered nurses.
03
Phase 3 will bring the program to the remaining nursing professionals, ensuring that every member of Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce has access to the confidential support and resources they need.
Contact Us
Right now, our greatest need is funding to give WisconsinPATH a strong foundation, and for momentum to continue at the Wisconsin State Capitol for legislation supporting the creation of a PHP.
Contact Jim Lorence, Wisconsin Medical Society Chief Value & Engagement Officer, for more information.