HEY, NEW YORK! Help for the Helpers!

HEY, NEW YORK!!! DID YOU KNOW???

In an effort to help keep NYS music therapists informed regarding the Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) law and regulations, we are pleased to offer this little column of regulatory tidbits!

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This Issue’s Feature:

HELP FOR THE HELPERS

Self-care for therapists is an important pursuit. Our work is both rewarding and challenging. The New York State Office for the Professions (OP) recognizes that health care providers sometimes need support in maintaining their own health, and created the Professional Assistance Program (PAP) as a way to help licensed professionals in the state.

The PAP is designed to assist licensed professionals who are struggling with substance abuse issues which may be impacting their ability to practice but who have not harmed clients. Rather than face charges of professional misconduct, the practitioner can voluntarily surrender their license while receiving treatment. There is a confidential application process to request participation in the PAP, with successful completion allowing for license restoration.

Criteria for admission to the PAP include:

  • total abstinence from all mood-altering substances including alcohol (random drug screens are required);
  • temporary, voluntary surrender of the professional license;
  • participation in treatment at an agency approved by the PAP; and
  • an agreement to be monitored by the PAP for at least two years after reinstatement of the license.

To learn more about the PAP for yourself, a colleague, or a friend, you can visit the OP website: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/pap.htm

If you have specific questions or areas of law that you would like us to address in future issues, please notify us at nystf@aol.com