2.  Who is the staff at the APHP?

• Eric Hedberg , MD, FASAM, Medical Director
• James Alford, MD, Assistant Medical Director
• Robert B. Thornhill, Clinical Coordinator
• Fay McDonnell, Program Coordinator

3. Who are the committee members of the APHP?

The commitee members are comprised of physicians located across Alabama and include the following:

Albert Tulley Jr. MD, Chairman, Birmingham; James Alford, MD, Montgomery; William Blythe, MD, Auburn; Larry Bundrick, MD, Huntsville; Sandra Frazier, MD, Birmingham; Stephen Herrington, MD, Huntsville; Lisa Joines, MD, Cullman; Kenneth LeMaster, MD, Florence; Craig Peterson, MD, Daphne; Chris Randolph, MD Anninston; Patrick Ryce, MD, Birmingham; Richard Whitehurst, MD, Mobile; Mark Willis, MD, Dothan.

4. Who operates the APHP?

The APHP is operated ay the Alabama State Medical Association.

4. Does the APHP have a contractual relationship with the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners?

Yes. The APHP is sponsored by the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners  and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. The Board contracts with the Medical Association of the State of Alabama as a base to run the APHP program. The State Board of Medical Examiners as well as the State Medical Board is supportive of the APHP and places alot of emphasis on the APHP recommendations when it comes to disciplinary matters before the Board regarding physicians under APHP agreements. It is important to note, that although the Board considers APHP recommendations,  they are not bound to accept APHP recommendations.

5. Are referals to the APHP Confidential?

Yes. The board allows for referals to the APHP to be confidential and only " Level III Relapses" which are relapses in the context of medical practice are required to be reported to the Board. However, it is important to note, that medical records in general as well as from evaluations and treatments for substance abuse, mental health, competence, etc, may be obtained by the Board through voluntary consent or subpoena as part of investigations or disciplinary proceedings.

6. What type of conditions or illness are monitored by the APHP?

The APHP through approved providers are able to address and monitor the following:

• Chemical dependence as well as other psychiatric disorders
• Professional Sexual Misconduct
• Physical illness
• Neurologic Disorders, and other problems related to physician health and wellbeing.

7. What population does the APHP serve?

The APHP is available to assist and serve the following populations:

• Physicians - MD
• Physicians - DO
• Families of physicians
• Medical students
• Residents
• Physician assistants
• Veterinarians
• Licensed Vet Techs
• Vet Students

8. How is the APHP funded?

The APHP is primary funded by the following sources: 

• State licensing agency
• Malpractice insurance companies
• Hospitals and private contributions
• Participant fees

9. If I sign an agreement with the APHP, What are the typical terms of the agreement and monitoring requirements?

Every treatment course is individualized according to the needs of the client, but in general, you should expect the agreement to include the following:

 APHP Agreement Regarding Chemical Dependency:

1. Length of contract: 5 years or as recommended by evaluation and/or treatment team.
2. Random urine drug screen frequency: Once per week x 6 mo then 1 per month x 4.5 years, or as recommended by evaluation and/or treatment team
3. Support (self help) group requirements: as recommended by evaluation/treatment team but typically involves the following:
   • AA
   • NA
   • Caduceus
   • Professionally facilitated
   • Other: psychotherapy
4. Support (self help) group frequency:
   • Year 1: 3 times per week
   • Year 2: 3 times per week
   • Year 3: 3 times per week
5. Therapy or treatment requirement: Per instruction of treatment provider with input from medical director of AHPH
6. Work or practice monitor requirement: Per instruction of treatment provider
7. Other provisions: Worksite monitor

 APHP Agreement Regarding Mental Health Issues:

1. Length of contract: varies as recommended by evaluation/treatment provider
2. Support (self help) group requirements: as recommended
3. Support (self help) group frequency: as recommended
4. Therapy or treatment requirement: directed by mental health treatment provider
5. Work or practice monitor requirement: as needed
6. Other provisions: as needed
7. Please describe any other monitoring services provided: as needed, committee monitor (quarterly), worksite monitor, therapeutic monitoring groups, hair analysis, naltrexone: all participants in drug test monitoring for chemical dependence receive at least one hair test randomly per year. Other requirements depending on need.

10. Does the APHP provide any other services as part of the mission?