Did You Know...
Drinking Alcoholic Beverages While on Call
Can Be a Serious Professional Liability Risk

There appear to be no specific standardized rules or regulations about drinking alcohol while on call. But there are strong arguments for abstinence, even if the likelihood of being called in to see patients is low.

First, and foremost, there's the obvious risk to patients. Studies show that even a small amount of alcohol in the blood impairs reflexes and interferes with cognition. Secondly, there's the personal risk. If you've been drinking even a small amount and are called in to see a patient, if alcohol is perceived to be a factor in any kind of less-than-optimal patient outcome, you could lose your license or face serious professional consequences.

While it may seem harmless to have an early-evening cocktail, or a glass of beer or wine with dinner, if you are called in to work, your patients, their families and the hospital staff will likely feel differently. Even if you feel clear-headed, if a patient or colleague smells alcohol on your breath, or even breath mints used to conceal the smell of alcohol, you are at a liability risk. If a medical complication or poor outcome occurs, or if the doctor-patient interaction is less than ideal, alcohol can be presumed to be a factor.

Ask yourself: If I or my child were the patient, wouldn't I insist that my doctor be fully sober?

The American Medical Association has developed a policy stating that no physician shall practice medicine or render patient care with any appreciable clinical level of blood alcohol. Many hospitals have not established formal policies regarding on-call alcohol consumption.

A requirement to refrain completely from using alcohol while on call may seem like an imposition or interference in your personal life. However, abstinence from drinking before and during your call can be a valuable risk-reducing measure. In lieu of abstinence, if you have a planned social event, or any occasion at which you might consume alcohol while on call, plan to have a colleague available for coverage.

If you determine you cannot forego drinking while on call, you may have an issue with alcohol worth examining further.

By taking the prudent approach, you protect your own interests and assure the safety of your patients.

— Physician Health Services

For more information or questions, please contact Physician Health Services at (781) 434-7404. Additional information can be found in the policy and advocacy (House of Delegates) section of the AMA website (H-30.960 Physician Ingestion of Alcohol and Patient Care) and on the website of the Talbott Recovery Campus.