General Questions
Which medical professionals do you serve?
At this time, we assist physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, psychologists, veterinarians, social workers, and medical residents. We are working to expand our services to include other medical professionals.
I'm not "impaired." Why should I engage in a relationship with you?
A relationship with us does not require a healthcare professional to be "impaired," or unable to perform their duties. In fact, our goal is to preventive, rather than reactive, assistance.
In the past, concerns regarding healthcare professionals would not be identified until there were significant negative consequences, including legal problems, medical lawsuits, negative patient outcomes, loss of licensure, loss of privileges, or loss of employment.
More recently, the medical community strives to be more proactive, recognizing the need to help our providers address concerns before they become difficult, or too late, to manage.
I do not have a problem with alcohol or substance abuse. I've heard that Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au only address those problems.
This is a common misperception. In the past, most healthcare provider programs started with managing substance use only. However, most programs, including Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au, have evolved to monitor a broad range of different conditions, including mental/physical health, cognition and competency, and workplace concerns.
Will my participation with Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au be confidential?
Absolutely. We are committed to ensure our files are maintained with the highest standards of confidentiality. Communication without consent with any third party is prohibited by law.
Will the Medical Board be notified if I enter into a monitoring contact with Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au?
No, as long as you remain compliant with a Monitoring Agreement.
Will my involvement with Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au be entered into the National Practioner Databank?
No. We are not a regulatory or credentialing body.
What is a Monitoring Agreement?
When it appears a healthcare provider could benefit from our services, the potential provider may be offered a Monitoring Agreement.
An Agreement establishes an agreement between Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au and the healthcare provider. It outlines all terms of the monitoring and the duration of the contract.
A Monitoring Agreement is voluntary.
I heard that all Monitoring Agreements last for 5 years. Is this true?
No. The duration of an Agreement is widely variable, made on a case by case basis. These variables include the specific "condition" related to the referral and compliance with the Monitoring Agreement.
Why do you charge fees? Will my insurance cover the costs?
Since we are an independent, non-profit organization, we do not receive federal nor state funding for program expenses. Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au is not a health care provider, so cannot bill any insurance organization for our services. The provider is responsible for all fees or charges incurred for evaluation and treatment by third parties.
At this time, we assist physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, psychologists, veterinarians, social workers, and medical residents. We are working to expand our services to include other medical professionals.
I'm not "impaired." Why should I engage in a relationship with you?
A relationship with us does not require a healthcare professional to be "impaired," or unable to perform their duties. In fact, our goal is to preventive, rather than reactive, assistance.
In the past, concerns regarding healthcare professionals would not be identified until there were significant negative consequences, including legal problems, medical lawsuits, negative patient outcomes, loss of licensure, loss of privileges, or loss of employment.
More recently, the medical community strives to be more proactive, recognizing the need to help our providers address concerns before they become difficult, or too late, to manage.
I do not have a problem with alcohol or substance abuse. I've heard that Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au only address those problems.
This is a common misperception. In the past, most healthcare provider programs started with managing substance use only. However, most programs, including Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au, have evolved to monitor a broad range of different conditions, including mental/physical health, cognition and competency, and workplace concerns.
Will my participation with Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au be confidential?
Absolutely. We are committed to ensure our files are maintained with the highest standards of confidentiality. Communication without consent with any third party is prohibited by law.
Will the Medical Board be notified if I enter into a monitoring contact with Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au?
No, as long as you remain compliant with a Monitoring Agreement.
Will my involvement with Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au be entered into the National Practioner Databank?
No. We are not a regulatory or credentialing body.
What is a Monitoring Agreement?
When it appears a healthcare provider could benefit from our services, the potential provider may be offered a Monitoring Agreement.
An Agreement establishes an agreement between Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au and the healthcare provider. It outlines all terms of the monitoring and the duration of the contract.
A Monitoring Agreement is voluntary.
I heard that all Monitoring Agreements last for 5 years. Is this true?
No. The duration of an Agreement is widely variable, made on a case by case basis. These variables include the specific "condition" related to the referral and compliance with the Monitoring Agreement.
Why do you charge fees? Will my insurance cover the costs?
Since we are an independent, non-profit organization, we do not receive federal nor state funding for program expenses. Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au is not a health care provider, so cannot bill any insurance organization for our services. The provider is responsible for all fees or charges incurred for evaluation and treatment by third parties.