Dear Member,

Today, we write to celebrate with you that the rule changes around A.R.S. Section R4-16-201.B(11) — the physician licensure confidential question inquiry — have been adopted by the Arizona Medical Board (AMB), completed all the required regulatory steps, and are now in effect.
 
The regulations currently posted on the AMB website, in the current licensure application, and in the renewal licensure application reflect the new language advocated for by the Arizona Psychiatric Society (APS), the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA), and twenty-two other physician associations and organizations. The new “Confidential Questions” section of the licensure applications destigmatizes the seeking of early care by requiring an applicant to disclose only a known, current condition which may impair their ability to practice safely. The prior licensure form required the disclosure of substance use or mental health treatment over the past five years, including details of the disorder and contact information for the treating providers. APS and ArMA are grateful to everyone within the physician community who played a part in advocating for this change, which has the potential to save lives.
 
APS President, Jasleen Chhatwal, MD, and Chair of the Disaster Response Committee of APS, Nicholas Ahrendt, MD, represented ArMA and APS in hearings with the AMB and its Physician Health Program. When asked about the importance of this change, Dr. Chhatwal shared, “At this time of dramatic change in the healthcare and social landscape, greater focus on supporting the well-being of physicians is paramount to protecting our patients and profession. This successful, collaborative advocacy gives me hope that together we can make healthcare healthier.” Dr. Ahrendt also reflected, “The rates of physician burnout, depression, and suicide in the U.S. continue to be a major concern. This change is a major step by the Arizona Medical Board in showing a commitment to supporting the mental health of Arizona’s doctors and was made possible by the strong alliance of our physician communities in working with the AMB.”

ArMA President, Miriam Anand, MD, highlighted the importance of collaboration in this effort: “It was only by working directly with the Arizona Medical Board and advocating together that the physician community was able to reach this monumental milestone. Through a strong alliance and collaboration, we have significantly furthered the effort to eliminate stigma surrounding mental health in the medical field. Our advocacy will have a positive impact on the well-being of Arizona physicians for years to come, and that is a legacy I’m very proud to have been a part of and leave behind.”
  
The work of APS, ArMA, and fellow physician organizations to promote physician well-being continues through multiple avenues...
 
  • Seeking Support From Your Peers. Made possible by a partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), ArMA is able to support the physician community through the Virtual Doctor's Lounge, an ArMA led peer-support program. The program has been expanded to allow medical students to receive peer-support alongside all Arizona licensed physicians who practice full-time and physicians in a residency or fellowship program. Participants in the program are paired with a peer physician who can help alleviate the pressure and provide the support needed to promote well-being and life balance. If you are struggling and want to have an informal and a confidential conversation with a peer, this program is for you!
 
  • Creating Safe Spaces. During the 2022 Legislative Session, APS is actively supporting ArMA signature legislation, HB2429, alongside bill sponsor, Representative Amish Shah, MD. If signed into law, HB2429 will help protect physicians and promote the seeking of early care through physician wellness programs, such as the Virtual Doctors’ Lounge or other association of employee assistance programs. This legislation defines physician wellness programs and ensures that a record of a physician’s participation in a physician wellness program is confidential and not subject to discovery, subpoena, or reporting requirement to the applicable profession regulatory board, except under specific conditions.
 
  • Sharing Resources and Destigmatizing Mental Health. APS and ArMA continue to evaluate new ways to destigmatize mental health in the medical field. Stay tuned and stay involved. Additional resources on individual and organizational interventions for burn-out, depression, and addiction are available by visiting:

 
It is through your membership that professional associations can come together and advocate for impactful changes, protections, and offer beneficial resources and programs. Thank you for your continued membership. Please reach out for help or support, invite a peer to become a member, and share the available resources.
  
Together we are stronger.
 
Jasleen Chhatwal, MD, President
Arizona Psychiatric Society
Nicholas Ahrendt, MD, Disaster
Response Chair and Treasurer
Arizona Psychiatric Society
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We welcome you to share this announcement with fellow physicians as we work to continue to promote physicians seeking early and appropriate care. Thank you for your membership that makes this work possible. We also invite you to join the work of this or other Committees of the Society. Contact admin@azpsych.org for more information on the many ways you can contribute to leadership and advocacy.