The Pharmacists Recovery Network (PRN) is a confidential, non-coercive and non-punitive alternative to formal disciplinary action offered by the Idaho Board of Pharmacy. The PRN is a program to facilitate prevention, identification, intervention, and rehabilitation for Idaho pharmacists who have, or are at risk for developing disorders, which are associated with functional impairment, or suffering from chemical abuse or dependency, mental health issues, or behavioral problems. The PRN works in a manner consistent with the laws and medical practice acts of the State of Idaho to provide a safe environment in a medical setting and in conjunction with the Idaho State of Pharmacy.
The purpose of the program is to assist pharmacists and their families in identifying alcohol, drug, or behavioral problems that pose a potential threat to that professional, the family, or the patients/clients. The PRN will work to identify and facilitate acute treatment and to provide long-term support for the professional to return to a productive place within his/her profession. While the program provides no direct counseling, treatment, or aftercare services, it does support and endorse the development of self-help groups at the local level.
The PRN is a resource for professionals, their families, colleagues, and other affiliates. Disciplinary action does little to intervene in the disease process and may frequently be counterproductive to identification and professional reintegration. Treatment has proven to be effective for both the individual and society. By providing pharmacists an opportunity to enter into treatment and to recover from their diseases early in the disease process, the PRN can serve to minimize negative impacts on the professionals, patients/clients and their families and friends.
Self-Referral: An impaired pharmacist who does not have official Stipulations and Orders as drafted by the Idaho Board of Pharmacy, may be referred to the PRN program in person, or by an agent of the pharmacist (family member, colleague, friend or employer).
Board of Pharmacy Referral: The Idaho Board of Pharmacy will draft a formal Stipulations and Orders for the impaired pharmacist. Part of the Stipulations and Orders will include a requirement to be under contract and maintain compliance with the PRN Program.
Visit the Idaho Board of Pharmacy
Visit the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
There are a number of forms utilized by Southworth Associates in monitoring PRN participants. As a service to our Pharmacists, we have made some of these forms available (PDF format) for download at their convenience:
PRN Release of Information Form
PRN Yearly Prescription Update Form
PRN Client Activity Report (CAR) Form
From time to time we get some additonal information that we feel may be useful to program participants. As a service to our Pharmacists, we have made some of this information available for download at their convenience:
Medications containing alcohol
Guide to alcohol-free products
Southworth Associates is a proud member of both the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS) and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP).
