Confidentiality
Why Confidentiality Matters
Professional Health Programs (PHPs) were created in part to offer a safe, confidential pathway for healthcare professionals to seek help—especially for stigmatized health conditions like mental illness or substance use.
- Professionals are more likely to get help when they trust their privacy will be protected.
- NCPHP offers confidential participation starting with a thorough informed consent process.
- Early, private intervention often leads to better outcomes and prevents impairment before it occurs.
In most cases, participants who follow NCPHP’s recommendations are not reported to licensing boards. This privacy encourages more individuals to seek help earlier—when recovery is most likely.
Understanding Your Rights & Responsibilities
Our Confidentiality Promise
NCPHP follows state and federal laws to protect the identity of participants and those referring them—as long as patient safety is not compromised. Confidentiality may be limited in certain cases:
- If there is evidence of unsafe practice such that there is imminent danger to patients.
- A provider referred by their licensure Board refuses to comply with a Board order.
- The provider is still unsafe after treatment.
- The participant refuses to comply with their already signed and agreed upon monitoring contract.
In those situations, NCPHP is required by NC State Statute to inform the appropriate licensing board, (e.g., N.C.G.S. 90-21.22, Section d; N.C.G.S. 90-85.41, Section d; N.C.G.S. 90-187.15, Section d; N.C.G.S. 90-334, Section l; N.C.G.S. 90-270.92, Section 13). By enrolling in NCPHP, participants provide consent to these conditions as part of their screening interview.
The Role of State Licensing Boards
While participation in NCPHP is voluntary, it’s important to understand the relationship between NCPHP and the North Carolina Medical Board, North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board, North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, and the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners:
- Participants can discontinue services at any time.
- Choosing not to follow NCPHP recommendations may lead to mandatory reporting.
- By enrolling in NCPHP, participants consent to this condition as part of the program agreement.
Legal Release
By participating in NCPHP, providers agree to release the program and its affiliates from any legal claims related to the services provided. This includes all parties involved in a participant’s care and referral. Due to the sensitive nature of referrals, all NCPHP services are provided under the strictest anonymity and confidentiality afforded by the law.
Through our trusted and confidential approach, NCPHP fosters hope, healing, and professional renewal—so healthcare providers can continue to deliver exceptional care while caring for themselves.
Need More Information?
We’re here to answer your questions about confidentiality, participation, and what to expect. Reaching out is the first step toward recovery and protection of your professional future.