Program Coordinator Jennifer Jackson-Harr, MSW, LCSW; Physician Assistance Program Case Manager Molly Dagan, MSW, LCSW; ISMA General Counsel Evan Bartel, JD and intern Payton McKinney comprise the Physicians Assistance Program at ISMA.

The Physician Assistance Program (PAP) celebrates 35 years in operation this year. PAP provides physicians with consultation, screening, referral and case management for substance use and mental health disorders, behavioral issues, and physical illnesses. The program is supported by a physician consultant and staffed by two licensed clinical social workers and an administrative assistant

Confidentiality
"PAP records are subject to some of the most stringent privacy rules anywhere – even more stringent than HIPAA," Evan Bartel, JD, general counsel for ISMA and PAP, said.

PAP case manager Molly Dagon, MSW, LCSW, said privacy and confidentiality are paramount to the work, and PAP is even referred to as "its own world within ISMA."

"We advise our participants when they contact ISMA for member-related items not to disclose being in the program," Dagon said. "No other ISMA employees besides the PAP team know who is in the monitoring program. Unless we have a signed ROI (release of information), we cannot confirm or deny anything."

Reporting compliance
The PAP team also works closely with Indiana’s Medical Licensing Board, testifying before the board that participants are complying with terms of the program and are safe to practice, or are in non-compliance, which could result in patient safety concerns.  PAP also provides legal assistance for physicians facing legal or licensing issues. Bartel has plenty of experience, as he served as legal counsel for the medical board for almost three years.

"I work with the PAP program to limit its legal risk – managing litigation and helping to navigate difficult interactions with participants," Bartel said. "My job is to make sure it complies with its data privacy requirements, responding to subpoenas and other requests for information."

This legal world can be challenging to navigate, especially if participants are experiencing emotional issues like death, divorce, injury, or trauma.

"Often, our participants face issues with their license for various reasons," Dagon said. "I think of it as a symbiotic relationship and collaborative effort. I can't overemphasize how significant it is to have a program that can help a physician return to work and regain his health and life."

Contact us
Dagon and Program Coordinator Jennifer Jackson-Harr, MSW, LCSW, encourage members to call them directly. Dagon’s direct line is 317-454-7713. Jackson-Harr’s direct number is 317-454-7725. 

“It is far better to have physicians reach out to us directly rather than through the general ISMA number, as it allows a higher level of confidentiality,” Jackson-Harr said. “If you are on the fence about calling, let’s just have a conversation about it.”

Staff changes
While Dagon and Jackson-Harr, MSW, LCSW, are clinicians, they provide monitoring and are not considered treating providers. Instead, they ensure that the participants comply with their treating providers.

"Dr. Fred Frick, MD, is currently our medical consultant and part of our team," Jackson-Harr said. "However, he is soon retiring after more than 30 years with the program. We're currently looking for someone to replace him in his role."

Jackie Brown, administrative assistant to PAP and its general counsel, is also retiring. Brown started her position in 2018 and will leave a relatively new staff behind.  

"I replaced the program director almost three years ago, and Molly replaced the case manager over three years ago," Jackson-Harr said. "Evan started as in-house counsel a couple of months ago. It's exciting to be a part of a newer team as we have more freedom to focus on evidence-based practices and change processes/procedures more easily."

The PAP program also has its first intern. Payton McKinney, who works closely with Dagon, will graduate from Indiana University with a bachelor's of social work degree in May.

Up next: panel discussion
The PAP team will discuss evidence-based practices in a panel discussion at the ISMA Wellness Symposium on Friday, Sept. 26. Sponsorship openings are still available for the event. 

PAP relies in part on contributions from member organizations. Donations from 17 groups help fund the PAP, totaling nearly $50,000 as of April 4.