Disclosing mental history on licensure application

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worryman

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How much of a delay in state training licensure and full licensure will being on an SSRI cause?
Has anyone had any experience applying to the state medical board and disclosing past and current mental illness? Do the residency directors and/or attyending physicians find out?
 
Read how the question is worded. Sometimes they ask "do you have a mental health impairment that could negatively impact your performance as a physician?". You could then in truth say no.

Remember you are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. As long as you do not harm patients medical boards cannot restrict you. They can however make it a long process. It took me over a year to get a Texas license and I had no red flags.
 
Most medical license applications and DEA apps only ask the question as it is phrased above, "Do you have any medical conditions which interfere with you ability to competently and safely perform the essential functions of your profession?"

My Arizona license by far had the most questions about physical/mental health (all the other states where I am licensed only asked the question above), but the additional questions were along the lines of have you ever been dx with Bi-polar, schizophrenia, paranoia or any other psychotic disorder; have you been treated or admitted to the hospital for same; have you now or in the past 5 years been addicted to or abused any chemical substance including alcohol, have you been treated or evaluated for a drug or alcohol problem...

Therefore, if your history includes only being on an antidepressant (which I think you will be suprised at the number of your colleagues who are as well), then it will unlikely be a problem.

Lying is a major problem, so if directly asked if you are being treated for depression, I think it better to fess up than be caught in a lie which could result in the license not being issued or being revoked.

I took some time off during residency due to a family member's death and even though it is on my FCVS report and my residency PD's report, it has not caused any problems whatsoever (despite the fact that the leave was for depression).
 
I have read through the physician licensure (and residency licensure if any) in 14 states. Arizona's is the most comprehensive I have read through regarding mental illness - and they do ask about severe mental illness like bipolar, schiz etc - but it asks if a applicant has been diagnosed , treated or admitted to a hospital or other facility for bipolar, schiz, paranoia or psychotic disorder within the last 5 years. They do not mention depression.
 
Thansk for the responses. I searched through some states as well, and found at least one state that asks if you have been diagnosed or treated for any mental illness in the past 7 years...this same state had it on the residency training state license app too.
I suppose they would expect someone diagnosed with depression, GAD, OCD, or even ADD to report it. Im guessing that there would be no problem if a doc's note is sent saying you are fine to practice.. but Im curious to know how much of a delay thsi has caused people in the past, and if you are delayed a residency license would your directors, etc. find out?
 
worryman said:
Thansk for the responses. I searched through some states as well, and found at least one state that asks if you have been diagnosed or treated for any mental illness in the past 7 years...this same state had it on the residency training state license app too.
I suppose they would expect someone diagnosed with depression, GAD, OCD, or even ADD to report it. Im guessing that there would be no problem if a doc's note is sent saying you are fine to practice.. but Im curious to know how much of a delay thsi has caused people in the past, and if you are delayed a residency license would your directors, etc. find out?
Click to expand...

The information you provide to the state licensing board is supposed to be private and not available to PDs...they can be told the license is delayed but not the reason why.

I am not aware of having been treated for a mental illness is a reason to delay or deny you a license, especially for depression. If that were the case and everyone was honest, there would really be a doctor shortage.

Since the match is in March, you have approximately 3.5 months before starting residency to get your license. Sometimes that's enough and depending on how much of a big deal the state wants to make, it might not be. It wouldn't be a bad idea to approach your physician to see if they are willing to fill out any forms that a state may require that certifies you are psychologically stable and fit for duty.
 
Here are the top six reasons for medical licenses to be revoked (no particular order):

- hitting the booze
- hitting the narcs
- having sex with patients who don't want to
- lying on the license application and being found out
- lying on the license application and being found out
- lying on the license application and being found out
 
Kimberli Cox said:
Most medical license applications and DEA apps only ask the question as it is phrased above, "Do you have any medical conditions which interfere with you ability to competently and safely perform the essential functions of your profession?"

My Arizona license by far had the most questions about physical/mental health (all the other states where I am licensed only asked the question above), but the additional questions were along the lines of have you ever been dx with Bi-polar, schizophrenia, paranoia or any other psychotic disorder; have you been treated or admitted to the hospital for same; have you now or in the past 5 years been addicted to or abused any chemical substance including alcohol, have you been treated or evaluated for a drug or alcohol problem...

Therefore, if your history includes only being on an antidepressant (which I think you will be suprised at the number of your colleagues who are as well), then it will unlikely be a problem.

Lying is a major problem, so if directly asked if you are being treated for depression, I think it better to fess up than be caught in a lie which could result in the license not being issued or being revoked.

I took some time off during residency due to a family member's death and even though it is on my FCVS report and my residency PD's report, it has not caused any problems whatsoever (despite the fact that the leave was for depression).
Click to expand...


So they never questioned you further, or delayed processing? Do you think the same would happen for GAD, and/ or OCD...or is depression the only one that is slowly becoming more accepted?
 
worryman said:
So they never questioned you further, or delayed processing? Do you think the same would happen for GAD, and/ or OCD...or is depression the only one that is slowly becoming more accepted?
Click to expand...

Also, is it possible malpractice insurance would find ot, and increase your rates because they see you as more of a liability?
 
worryman said:
Also, is it possible malpractice insurance would find ot, and increase your rates because they see you as more of a liability?
Click to expand...

Lastly, I know lying isnt good on the form...but how could they ever fund out if you have been diagnosed with something? They cant access anything without you sending it to them...?
 
worryman said:
So they never questioned you further, or delayed processing? Do you think the same would happen for GAD, and/ or OCD...or is depression the only one that is slowly becoming more accepted?
Click to expand...

No...no more questions and as a matter of fact, once FCVS (see another thread for my rants and raves about them) sent my profile to Arizona State Medical Board, they issued my license in less than 2 weeks. Pretty speedy.

All the delay with FCVS had nothing to do with my time-off but rather FCVS incompetence (ie, sending things to wrong addresses, wrong hospitals, etc.)

In regards to different diagnoses, I'm not sure there will be much of a difference seen by the boards for any of the non-psychotic disorders but that is really up to the individual board. I'm afraid that your question is not really answerable because there are so many variables. All you can do is to be honest, provide any additional information they request and get your app documents in asap to avoid any delay in starting work. Bear in mind that if your diagnoses caused you to take any time off from residency or work at a hospital, your supervisor is required to reveal that (ie, they DO check to make sure what you say is the same as what your former PDs say...hence, be honest).
 
worryman said:
Also, is it possible malpractice insurance would find ot, and increase your rates because they see you as more of a liability?
Click to expand...

I suppose yes, they could find out and raise your rates, but I think they would have an awfully hard time in court proving that there is evidence that physicians with OCD or GAD are more prone to medical malpractice.

Just received my malpractice policy and all I provided to them was: face sheet from med mal underwriters from residency and fellowship and a check list of the procedures I would be doing. At no time did they request any access to my personal medical records and doing so would be a violation of my health rights.

While I understand your concerns, I think if you have not had any medical problems which resulted in a hospital denying or revoking your practice privileges or any actions taken against your license or during residency, you will unlikely have any problems getting a license or med mal.

But if you are concerned, please see an attorney who is well versed in these issues in the state in which you are seeking licensure. Their expertise is probably worth settling your mind.
 
worryman said:
Lastly, I know lying isnt good on the form...but how could they ever fund out if you have been diagnosed with something? They cant access anything without you sending it to them...?
Click to expand...

Right. The only time they find out is if something happens down the line. If you have lets say an episode of major psychiatric illness during which you do something stupid that comes to the medical boards (or a plaintiff lawyers) attention and brings your undisclosed history into play.

Let me repeat some of the reasons why medical licenses get pulled:
- lying on the license application and being found out
....
....
 
worryman said:
Lastly, I know lying isnt good on the form...but how could they ever fund out if you have been diagnosed with something? They cant access anything without you sending it to them...?
Click to expand...

You gotta stop quoting yourself...THAT is worrisome! 😉

As we have said, it is unlikely that they would. But remember, they seek information frm other sources. So if you say "no" to a question about whether or not there has ever been any question about your ability to practice as a physician, whether or not you have ever been on probation as a residency, lost or had privileges revoked, etc. and your former residency director, or hospital employer states, "yes we took worryman off of a particularly stressful rotation when it became apparent that he could not psychologically handle the stress", etc.

That is why you don't lie...you have no control over what else has been documented and reported about you. If it is true and you have lied about it, that, more than anything, will result in your license application being delayed. And if you have lied, and it comes out at a later date, you can better believe that a plantiff's attorney will find out and you very well may lose your license.
 
So I actually went on an SSRI for a week my first year of med school for anxiety. It had some bad effects on me, and my doc and i decided it probably wasnt the right prescription/diagnosis. I soon got over my anxiety on my own.
I live in a state where they actually ask "have you been diagnosed or treated for a mental illness in the past 7 years" on both residency and full licensing applications. my doc has advised me that I dont really have to mark that box because: a) she says anxiety can be argued to not be a mental illness b.) she says the question is really mainly referring to people who have been hospitalized c.) her files are completely confidential and no one will ever get it if I dont want them to.
On top of that, I was only on the medication for a week until we decided it wasnt really for me, and I havent looked back since.
My question is whether I should check the box or not. Im sure it wouldnt be a problem if accompanied by an explanation and doctors note, but Id rather not go through any delays or have to interview with the licensing board. Is it possible that a plantiff attorney or anyone could ever find out that medical history of mine if Im ever sued? Im pretty sure not, but I wanted to get some other opinions...
 
davidsunflower said:
My question is whether I should check the box or not. Im sure it wouldnt be a problem if accompanied by an explanation and doctors note, but Id rather not go through any delays or have to interview with the licensing board.
Click to expand...

While I disagree with your physician that generalized anxiety is not a mental illness, the situation as you describe it could probably be reasonably ignored in terms of completing the licensure form. However, I am not a lawyer nor a rep of the medical board, so am unsure as to the detail they want.

Is it possible that a plantiff attorney or anyone could ever find out that medical history of mine if Im ever sued? Im pretty sure not, but I wanted to get some other opinions...
Click to expand...

Nothing is ever completely private. Your physician's medical records could be supeonaed and if he/she turns them over, your history could be obtained. While it sounds great, I'm not sure many physicians would take a stand and be in contempt of court for refusing to turn over medical records so it is possible that you'll be found out.

However, unless you have a pattern of displaying mental or other illnesses which appear to impact your ability to practice medicine, it is highly unlikely that any malpractice lawyer would be interested in your medical records as they would otherwise be low yield in terms of the case unless your mental well-being is in question.
 
Do you guys think ADHD needs to be reported on a license application that asks if youve been treated for a mental illness in the past 7 years?
 
Kimberli Cox said:
I don't think ADHD is a mental illness per se. It certainly wouldn't be something I'd think about when reviewing license applications.
Click to expand...

It is listed with relevant criteria in the DSM IV.


I don't know if that clarifies anything or not. I'm certainly not a psych resident so I don't know. However, most of my formal education about ADHD was during my psych rotations.
 
Pir8DeacDoc said:
It is listed with relevant criteria in the DSM IV.


I don't know if that clarifies anything or not. I'm certainly not a psych resident so I don't know. However, most of my formal education about ADHD was during my psych rotations.
Click to expand...

Admittedly, its been awhile since I've cracked a DSM so your data would be more current than mine. I guess it would depend on how the question was worded then on the license app but as always, honestly is the best policy. If they found out you lied, you could lose your license...if you answer "yes" and then attach the explanation that it was for ADHD, it might delay things somewhat but you'll ethically be in the clear.

You could always call the licensing board and ask them if they consider ADHD a mental illness.
 
Geliebt said:
What about adolescent psych histories (including hospitalization) for depression/anxiety/debunked bipolar disorder? Isn't this info protected?
Click to expand...

WHen I was filling out forms for residency - the state board required forms said something like "in the last 5 years" , but the forms for hospital privileges said "ever in your life" - in one case if its been more than 5 years and in the other case was the treatment ever in your life. Another state I was offered a prematch in had a specific question if the applicant had ever been treated or sought counseling for necrophilia. 😱
 
Are physician folks in CA still protected under ADA in terms of the mental health history confidentiality when applying for licensure? (I.e. can only ask "do you have a mental health impairment that could negatively impact your performance as a physician?")
It's the same for psychologists; you can only ask if there's a current impairment in CA.

Have other states followed suit in protecting physician privacy since this original post? It sounds like Arizona asked very pointed questions regarding mental health history.
 
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