Resources
About the Program
Purpose and Mission
The Montana Assistance Program is a program that provides monitoring and rehabilitation of healthcare professionals whose ability to practice safely has been affected by the use of drugs or alcohol, and in some cases, by physical or mental illness. Our primary mission is equal to that of the Boards', which is to protect the public and return the participant to safe, professional practice.
Substance use disorder is recognized by experts as a chronic, relapsing disease. Much like cardiac disease, diabetes or asthma, it is a permanent condition, and when treated and in remission, approximately 65 to 70% of individuals relapse. Treatment followed by supportive monitoring, such as is offered by the Assistance Program, reduces the risk of relapse to less than 20%.
The Assistance Program is not a treatment program and is not a program of discipline. The Assistance Program is a program of support, monitoring, and accountability.
Staffing
MAP is operated by four main staffers, each serving a specific purpose; however, collectively working together to ensure that participants are supported throughout completion of the program.
Assistance Program Coordinator
Our Program Coordinator is responsible for the operation of the program in compliance with both state and federal regulations. This licensed healthcare professional helps drive quality assurance as well as resolving escalated issues.
Care Coordinator
The Care Coordinator is a license professional who works with licensees looking to enter the program. This role actively advocates for licensees and connects professionals with qualified clinical providers. In addition, the Care Coordinator supports the Program Coordinator in ensuring that program administration is supported.
Case Managers
Our staff of two case managers work directly with enrolled participants to ensure their successful completion of the program. These case managers directly and consistently interact with participants to work through monitoring agreements and to move participants through the Assistance Program.
Enrollment and Participation
When a licensee enrolls, the participant is engaged in a period of assessment and early treatment. The Case Manager follows the participant into the early stages of recovery, supports them while they progress into a solid practice of recovery and emotional health, and monitors them as they return to safe, professional practice.
Participants may self-refer or be referred to by their board following a complaint. In some cases, participants agree to participate in the Assistance Program as a term of their stipulated settlement for compliance issues.
Licensees Served
The Montana Assistance Program is a statutorily authorized program available to licensees of the following boards and programs.
Montana Board of Chiropractors
- Chiropractors
Montana Board of Dentistry
- Dental Hygienists
- Dentists
- Denturists
Montana Emergency Care Provider Program
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Paramedic
Montana Board of Medical Examiners
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Podiatrist
- Nutritionist
- Resident Physician
Montana Board of Nursing
- Medication Aide
- Medication Aide II
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- Advanced Practice Nurse
Montana Board of Pharmacy
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacist Intern
- Pharmacy Technician
Montana Board of Veterinary Medicine
- Embryo Transfer Technician
- Euthanasia Technician
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary Dispensing Technician
- Veterinary Technician
Worksite Liasons
Employers, Clinicians, and Worksite Liaisons
Worksite Liaisons serve a critical role in protecting public safety and supporting our participants in their return to practice. Worksite Liaisons and Clinicians assist licensed health professionals to return to work in a controlled and safe manner.
When you agree to serve in the role of Worksite Liaison, a Case Manager will meet with you by phone to review what you can expect of the position and to ensure you meet the requirements to serve in this capacity . The MAP approves all worksite liaisons prior to beginning their service. Our Case Manager will provide you with instructions to access the program's electronic record system and help you to set up your account. You will then be able to submit reports online, which are due on a quarterly basis unless modified.
Role of the Worksite Liaison (WSL)
The worksite liaison assists the licensed health professional to return to work in a controlled and safe manner, supporting the mission of the Assistance Program, which is to protect the public. The WSL shall:
- Assist healthcare professionals to reenter the workforce in a safe manner
- Provide an open line of communication between the workplace, MAP and the licensing board
- Watch for changes in behaviors and signs of relapse or return to alcohol or drug use
- Must be at least one step above the participant on the organizational chart
- Observe participant at workplace at least once each week, or more frequently if required
- Interview coworkers as necessary to ensure the participant is practicing safely
- Identify an alternate WSL in the absence of the appointed WSL
- Not be a current participant in MAP
- If in recovery, have five years of continuous sobriety
- Agree to notify MAP within one hour of noticing any signs of relapse or suspicious behavior
- Agree to complete and submit quarterly reports to MAP, as required.
If you identify that the participant you are monitoring:
- Appears to be using drugs or alcohol
- Demonstrates changes in performance
- Has excessive absences or tardiness
- Involved in incidents of patient harm or involved in sentinel events
Call the Montana Assistance Program – Case Manager at (406) 841-2200 within one hour of identifying a problem, or immediately at the start of the next business day.
