Quick Hits
Information on DPM rehabilitation from substance abuse.
In 1997, The Board of Podiatric Medicine (BPM) with concurrence from the Department or Consumer Affairs and the Center for Public Interest Law recommended the Diversion Program be sunsetted. Impaired doctors may enter treatment programs confidentially. If BPM receives complaints against DPM's substantiated by investigation, Licensees as a condition of probation are revoked or required to enter rehabilitation, in order to protect Californians.
The Board indicates that there is no reason for state licensing boards to duplicate what the private sector is adequately providing. There are many non-governmental substance abuse rehabilitation programs available to doctors. BPM believes that licensees can enter these rehabilitation programs voluntarily, as they currently do, or because of a disciplinary order by the Board, without having to sponsor the program. There is no evidence that state-licensing boards can administer recovery programs better than private providers can.
