The Medical Board of California last year decided it was not capable of effectively running the Physician Diversion Program, which for the past 27 years has been monitoring and providing guidance to physicians with substance abuse problems. The medical board voted unanimously on November 2, 2007, to immediately stop accepting self-referrals and to close the program entirely on June 30, 2008. A coalition of physician organizations is working on a legislatively-mandated, independent comprehensive statewide program to replace the diversion program, but there will be a gap in services.

To help bridge this gap, CMA, the California Society of Addiction Medicine, and the California Psychiatric Association have put together guidelines for hospital medical staffs and well-being committees.

Physicians are also reminded that CMA operates a free confidential hotline for physicians who may have an alcohol or other chemical dependence. This service is completely confidential and will not result in any form of disciplinary action or referral to any disciplinary body.