Diversion Program
1-866-728-9907
What is the Diversion Program?
The Diversion Program is administered by the Medical Board of California to monitor the recovery of physicians who have abused alcohol or other drugs, or who have a mental health problem which may affect their ability to practice medicine safely.
Confidentiality of the Program
Information about a physician's participation in the program is confidential. Unless a complaint has been filed against the physician, the Board's Enforcement Program will not know he or she is in the Program. However, if the physician leaves the program without successfully completing it, and the program determines there is potential for harm if he or she practices medicine, the Enforcement Program will be notified.
Protecting the Public
In the course of rehabilitating the physician, the Diversion Program may take a variety of actions to protect the public. This can include, but is not limited to, requiring a physician to stop or limit medical practice; requiring thorough evaluation; requiring participation in a formal treatment program; and, frequent random drug screening. These actions can support the recovery of the physician and assure the safety of the public.
Will the Medical Board know if a Physician is in Diversion?
About 20% of the physicians in Diversion are required to be in the program by the Medical Board. Another 20% have agreed to participate in the program in lieu of disciplinary action. The remaining 60% are self-referred and are not known to the Medical Board or Enforcement Program.
Will a Physician's License be Affected if he or she is in Diversion?
A physician's license is not affected as a result of being in the program. However, the program may require that a physician temporarily stop practice for evaluation, treatment or public safety issues.
Who Can Refer a Physician to Diversion?
Anyone can urge a physician to contact the program, and can provide him or her the phone number: (916) 263-2600.
How Does a Physician Apply to Diversion?
The process begins when the physician calls the Diversion Program office in Sacramento at (916) 263-2600. The physician is requested to attend local physician support group meetings, a confidential intake interview is conducted and a meeting with the Diversion Evaluation Committee is scheduled.
