Studies show that being addicted to alcohol and/or other substances is a potential factor in DUI arrests. Since a single DUI may be a symptom of a deeper issue with alcohol and/or drugs, you should also consider if there are other areas in your life that may indicate an issue with alcohol and/or drugs. Other symptoms may include a pattern of use that negatively impacts your personal relationships, your health, or your professional life. Many healthcare professionals who were arrested for one DUI have benefited from participating in the Recovery Program.
The Program is a very challenging and intensive program designed to help those who have a chemical dependency problem. Keep in mind that just because you only had one DUI does not necessarily mean you haven't been driving under the influence before, or that you don't have a problem -it may mean that this was the only time you were caught. Only you know what is going on in your life.
While the Program is not a place to avoid discipline for a one-time error, it is a place to receive help for substance use disorder (SUD). Symptoms of SUD include a pattern of use that negatively impacts a person’s relationships, health, or professional life. Additionally, there may be negative consequences legally or professionally. You could benefit by participating in the Recovery Program or learning more about SUD.
If you enrolled in a treatment or court-ordered diversion program, you may still benefit from participating in the Recovery Program. The Program is a comprehensive monitoring program - of which treatment (inpatient/outpatient) is only one component. If you choose to participate, you may be able to continue in your current treatment program.
Some of the Boards’ programs are also designed to assist individuals whose ability to practice may be impaired by a mental illness disorder. Please contact 833-397-7500 to discuss your concerns.
You may be eligible to participate in the Program again. Please contact 833-397-7500 to request admission or discuss your concerns.
A court ordered diversion program does not take the place of the Board's Recovery Program. However, this may be part of your individualized recovery program.
No. Once in the Program, participants are treated according to their individual recovery needs—not because of how they were referred to the program. Regardless of referral type all participants will be met with nonjudgmental staff who are experienced and dedicated to assuring your success in recovery.
The actual length of time before you are able to return to practice will depend on several factors that the Program must consider in determining if you are safe to return to work. These factors may include results of the clinical diagnostic evaluation; history of substance use or mental health; whether you diverted substances from the workplace; current medical condition; progress as demonstrated by compliance with your entry agreement; whether you are a risk to the public; and continued abstinence from drugs as demonstrated through drug testing. In some cases, you may be granted a return to practice with restrictions on your practice, such as limits on the shift hours, limited access to narcotics, or restrictions on home visits.
It will be up to you to notify your employer that you are participating in the Recovery Program. Due to the confidentiality of the Recovery Program, we must first have your written consent to communicate with your employer. You may submit to the Program a Consent to Release Information that will allow the Case Manager (CM) to communicate with your employer about your enrollment status. The CM can also allay any concerns your employer may have about your participation in the Program, including temporary removal from practice.
When you are approved to return to work, the program will communicate with your employer at the time of your return to practice. This is to establish a worksite liaison and to ensure your ongoing safety to practice.
**NOTE:** Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons with a history of a substance use disorder and who are currently in documented recovery have certain protections related to employment. Employers may consult with their Human Resources department for specific guidance.
Program costs will vary by participant and depend on an individual’s need for their level of treatment. You may be responsible for costs associated with drug testing and support groups. The Board pays for the administrative cost of the Program.
Generally, the Program length is between three (3) to five (5) years. However, the actual length of time will depend on how well you respond to your individual recovery plan.
As part of a successful Return-to-Work Plan, the Program may determine you are fit for duty, but that certain job accommodations (aka practice restrictions) are necessary to ensure safe practice. For example, a nurse may not have access to controlled substances for an initial period of time. The Program will review and adjust your Return-to-Work Plan to remove restrictions as you continue to be successful in your recovery. The Program’s objective is to return all professionals to safe practice.
**NOTE:** Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons with a history of a substance use disorder and who are currently in documented recovery have certain protections related to employment (i.e. reasonable accommodations).
To learn whether filing a complaint is mandatory, refer to Our Licensing Boards for the Board-specific websites and go to the section "File a Complaint."
Please contact Montana Recovery Program Help Desk at 833-397-7500 to enroll in the program.
The Recovery Program is not a treatment program. We are a program for monitoring and support for individuals in recovery. We recognize that there are many great treatment programs available, however, they do not take the place of the Recovery Program. Maximus will want to know about any programs you have entered or completed, so they can determine what other elements to include in a treatment plan they develop for you. For example, if you have completed an in-patient treatment program, the case manager may mandate completion of an aftercare program in addition to 12 step meetings, peer support group meetings, etc. If you are currently in a treatment program, we recommend that you continue to participate in that program.