In order to protect the public from unsafe practice, TNPAP has established criteria for practitioners interested in services. You Must:
Be actively seeking, or trying to obtain new licensure, or eligibility to continue holding an active healthcare provider license (this does not apply to out-of-state applicants)
Be willing to refrain from practicing until a return to practice authorization is obtained from TNPAP
Be an individual whose employer or whose licensure board has directed him/her to participate in TNPAP
Be an individual who is willing to inform any university/college that (s)he is in the process of TNPAP enrollment (if applicable)
Timely complete authorization for exchange of information (aka Release of Information) forms as instructed by TNPAP, including but may not be limited to: Employer (current or most recent) and TN Department of Health
A healthcare practitioner wishing to utilize TNPAP services must agree to comply with all requests and recommendations made during the enrollment process. PLEASE NOTE: Have a minimum of $800 available before submitting the request for services to cover preliminary costs.
Expect a phone call within 2 business days from a TNPAP representative who will provide you with information on steps to schedule an evaluation. You must use an evaluator that is approved by TNPAP.
Follow all evaluation recommendations, treatment recommendations, neuropsychological testing, medical evaluations, pain management and assessments, etc.
*Please note cost of evaluations, treatment recommendations, neuropsychological testing, medical evaluations, pain management and assessments is the responsibility of the participant*
Steps in Basic TNPAP Services:
Initial contact with TNPAP representative
Evaluation/assessment by TNPAP-approved healthcare provider
Evaluator provides TNPAP with recommended treatment plan
If appropriate, TNPAP refers and/or assists participant in selecting appropriate treatment center
TNPAP provides support throughout the period of treatment
Treatment facility staff develop aftercare plan
Participant must be deemed safe to return to work as a practitioner by treatment facility, evaluator and TNPAP
On average, participant is monitored three to five years
Objectives
Provide support and close monitoring of professionals who are unsafe, or potentially unsafe, to practice due to a physical, mental, behavioral, or chemical impairment
Facilitate early intervention, thereby decreasing the time between the professional’s acknowledgement of the problem and his/her entry into a recovery process
Provide a program for affected professionals to be rehabilitated in a therapeutic, non-punitive and non-public process
Develop a statewide resource network for referral of impaired professionals to appropriate services
Provide outreach and education to healthcare facilities, professional organizations, and healthcare professional schools throughout the state of Tennessee to promote understanding of chemical impairment and the recovery process