Could Past Substance Abuse Prevent Licensure?

[veeolist]

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When and how will prior illegal substance abuse and treatment for it come up in such a way that it could prevent one from gaining acceptance into med school and, later, licensure to practice medicine?

In my case specifically, I went to my PCP and flat out told him I was addicted to my drug of choice (not MJ) so that he would write me a referral and insurance would cover my therapy. I did the psychotherapy thing for a few months, and went to NA, and haven't used since and don't plan on ever doing so. My concern is that if it ever comes up "are you or have you ever been addicted?" if I say NO, then will they have access to the records of my therapy and PCP visit, given that they were all coded as substance addiction treatments; or if I say YES, then doesn't that pretty much destroy my chances of admission to med school and/or licensure?

Thank you for your serious responses only.

 

[jennie 21]

I don't think the question "are you or have you ever been addicted?" is going to come up during the medical school application/admission process. At least, I don't remember that question being on any of the applications I filled out. I think the AMCAS application might have something about being convicted of a felony...but nothing about drug treatment if I recall correctly. Also, your medical/psychotherapy records are confidential. Your medical school doesn't have access to those and can't check them. The only way I could see them getting a hold of that information would be after you're accepted, you usually have to fill out some kind of form about your medical history and get a routine physical signed off on by a doc. Unless you or your doc mentioned something about your substance abuse history on the medical history form or in medical records forwarded to them, there should be no way they would find out. I'd just ask your doc not to note that in any records he/she sends them; you fill out the medical history form yourself and I don't think you're obliged to include that information. Your doc has an obligation to you as a patient to protect your confidentiality, so I imagine they would anyway even if not asked. The doc must be truthful in his answers but he doesn't have to be complete if it means sharing your confidential health information, and it's unlikely the forms would ask specifically about past substance abuse (or about half of my classmates would've had problems 😉 ). As far as licensure, I really don't know what the issues there are. I know past criminal convictions for drugs can be a major problem when it comes to licensing, although I think it depends somewhat on the state, the substance involved, the amount of time elapsed since the offense, etc. Getting convicted of pot possession when you're 20 will obviously have different consequences than getting convicted of, say, dealing heroin or something. I'm not sure whether state licensing boards have the authorization to go into your past medical records to determine whether you have a history of substance abuse or not. I would guess probably not for reasons of confidentiality, but maybe someone who's more informed and who has actually been through the licensing process can answer that question more authoritatively. As long as you don't have any criminal convictions for drugs, though, my guess is you'd be okay as far as licensing and getting a DEA number. In short: patient confidentiality protects you far more than you would think. Even as a medical student/future student, you still have a right to confidentiality when you're the patient.

 

[medstyle]

you cleaned up your act and no drug convinctions, right? then you're good to go.

no need to air your dirty laundry in front of people. no one is probing your health records, so relax.

 

[deuist]

I see that you already went through NA. Maybe you could get some evidence of your attendance that says that you are no longer addicted. Also, you might have to stay away from some specialties such as anesthesiology and pain management.