Physician Support Committee

The Physician Support Committee is a group of physicians representing the Humboldt-Del Norte County Medical Society, Mad River Community Hospital, Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, Sutter Coast Hospital and SoHum Health. The PSC Committee was formed to assist physicians who are experiencing problems that might impair their medical judgement or performance. The Committee has the following responsibilities:

1. To aid physicians in recognizing and treating health problems that either could or do adversely affect their ability to practice medicine.
2. To educate members of the medical community about issues related to physician health and well-being.
3. To protect the public from harm resulting from physician impairment. As a condition for licensure, California hospitals are required to have a medical staff program for the support of physicians disabled as a result of alcohol, drugs or illnesses.

Various studies and surveys suggest it ranges from 10-20 percent, not significantly different from the general population.

It can be difficult for physicians to reach out for help. The PSC provides a safe place to receive help. The PSC is set up to walk the fine line between patient and physician protection.

It is clear that greater recognition of impairment and easier access to treatment has tremendous potential value for the individual and their patients.

Enlistment of help from the Physician Support Committee begins with a confidential request. This may come either from a physician who feels him/herself to have a physical, emotional, or addictive problem, or from a member of the medical community or the community-at-large who believes such a problem exists.

At this point a thorough evaluation is made in order to determine whether any reported problems truly exist and, if so, whether they involve deficiencies in patient care. If the complaint is without substance, the matter is simply dropped. When a report is substantiated and patients are not at risk, the Physician Support Committee might recommend a treatment program while maintaining absolute confidentiality and without reporting to any internal or external disciplinary body. If imminent danger to a patient exists, concerns or questions may be brought to the Department Head or Chief-of-Staff or other appropriate administrative authority.

The PSC meets with all referred physicians and determines the optimal steps to aid the physicians and keep patients safe.

To contact or refer to the Physician Support Committee please utilize the following confidential email address:

PSC Virtual Brochure HERE