Created HPSP legislation was passed into law and signed by Governor Arne Carlson on May 4, 1994. Specifically, the program serves individuals who may be unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety if their illness is not appropriately managed. The program is not a professional support network, a treatment provider, nor an enforcement agency. Regulated health professionals who cannot practice with reasonable skill and safety due to illness must report to the program or their board. Reporting to HPSP fulfills the reporting requirements related to illness as established in individual professional practice acts.
Reports submitted in accordance with statute are confidential and are immune from civil liability.
A program committee, consisting of one person appointed by each participating board, will establish the program budget, provide guidance and monitor the program implementation in accordance with enabling legislation. An advisory committee, consisting of one member nominated by each profession regulated by a participating board and two public members, will provided input to the program committee. HPSP may refer participants to treating professionals for evaluation and treatment. Participants are responsible for paying the costs of evaluation, treatment and drug screens, if required. Successful completion of the program occurs when the terms of the individual's Monitoring Plan have been fulfilled.