Impaired Physician

The University of Florida College Of Medicine will fully participate in the provisions of the Florida Medical Practice Act (F.S.458), the rules of the Board of Medicine, and the Department of Professional Regulation. The College of Medicine supports the Florida Impaired Practitioners Program.

Faculty, staff, peers, family, or other individuals who suspect that a member of the housestaff is suffering from a psychological or substance abuse problem are obligated to report such problems. Medical doctors, in particular, are required by law to do so. Individuals with concerns about impairment can either report directly to the Florida Professional’s Resource Network (PRN) or can discuss their concerns with the Program Director, Chairman, or Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education. Any trainees are subject to legal action regarding substance abuse requires immediate referral to PRN.

  • It is the intent of the sponsoring institution that all appropriate rules that govern the practice of medicine be strictly enforced.
  • All referrals to the PRN are confidential and are evaluated by the professionals of the PRN. Decisions about intervention, treatment, and monitoring are determined solely by PRN and are not under the purview of the University.
  • As long as the practitioner satisfactorily participates in the PRN program no regulatory action would normally be anticipated by the Board of Medicine.
  • Resumption of patient care and residency program activities will be contingent upon approval by PRN and continued compliance with the program of treatment.
  • Information on the Florida Professional Resource Network (PRN) and its program can be obtained by calling 1-800-888- 8PRN.