PHS is independent of the Board of Registration in Medicine (BRM), the state agency responsible for the licensure and discipline of physicians in the Commonwealth. However, PHS maintains a positive working relationship with the BRM and the Physician Health and Compliance Unit (PHC), the division of the BRM responsible for addressing issues of physician health.
PHS meets regularly with the BRM’s PHC Unit to provide continuity for physicians who are under monitoring agreements with the BRM and to enhance communication regarding areas of mutual concern, such as physician support services, remediation, and protection of the public.
PHS is also approved by the Board as a “diversionary” program. According to the Board’s regulations, a report can be “diverted” from the Board if a physician with a drug or alcohol problem agrees to participate in PHS. This diversion is possible when there is no allegation of patient harm, the physician agrees to participate in PHS, and the reporter receives timely confirmation from PHS that the physician is in compliance with our program.
