Many physicians worry that they might lose their license if they disclose that they are currently or have ever received treatment for their mental health and/or for a substance use disorder. Please review the FAQs below to better understand the truth about the forms you may encounter as a physician at Nebraska Medicine and what the process entails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nebraska Medicine Privilege Application
What is asked currently?
Below are the four questions that are currently asked. The questions did change in May 2021 after feedback was provided by physician leaders. There is no longer a question about whether you have received treatment in the past.
- Is there any reason why you would not be able to carry out the obligations and prerogatives of the professional position for which you are applying, and perform the clinical privileges that you are requesting, with or without reasonable accommodation, and without exposing yourself or others to health and safety risks? Yes, No
- Are you currently engaged in the illegal use of drugs? Yes, No
- Are you currently taking any substances or medications which could impair your ability to safely perform the privilege which you are requesting in this application? Yes, No
- Do you suffer from any health condition that impairs your ability to safely exercise the privileges you have requested or have you been advised by a physician that you have such a health condition? Yes, No
What if I answer “yes”?
You would be asked to provide an explanation on the application. Based on your explanation, the application would go through the usual process of credentialing. It would be a case by case review and that may or may not result in a recommendation regarding granting of privileges and/or monitoring requirements. The goal of the process is to ensure patient safety and the approach taken is intended to be supportive of the physician.
II. Nebraska Board of Medicine and Surgery Licensing Questionnaire
What is asked?
- Are you currently suffering from any condition for which you are not being appropriately treated that impairs your judgment or that would otherwise adversely affect your ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical and professional manner?
The question asks about current conditions for which you are not being adequately treated. You would only need to answer “yes” if you are not getting appropriate treatment for a condition which could affect your job performance.
If you do answer “yes”, the process would be very similar to the credentialing process for Nebraska Medicine explained above.
III. Nebraska Medicine (TNMC and BMC) Malpractice Insurance Questionnaires
Nebraska Medicine uses COPIC for all employed physicians.
There are no questions on this questionnaire that ask anything different about mental health or substance use disorder treatment. The following is asked on the COPIC insurance questionnaire:
Applicant remains free of actions from all licensing and specialty boards, DEA, and violations from law? Yes, No
If “no,” provide details. Traffic offenses do not need to be reported unless they involved drugs or alcohol.
Applicant has NOT had professional liability carrier deny, cancel or non-renew coverage? Yes, No