The ISMA Physician Assistance Program (PAP) addresses the needs of physicians impaired by chemical dependence, psychiatric disorders and physician disability, as well as the disruptive physician.

Identifying and assisting a physician with signs and symptoms of impairment is a difficult challenge. Fears of legal and personal risk prevent colleagues from becoming involved. These fears often are compounded by a lack of confidence in the ability to accurately diagnose impairing illnesses, particularly chemical dependency.

Incompetence as an etiology of impairment is not within the scope of the program. Additionally, the ISMA PAP does not consider cases of impairment due to incompetence appropriate for its program. These physicians fall within the responsibility of the Credentials and Professional Standards Committee.