Minnesota Agencies

The Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP) has the responsibility to protect the public from persons regulated by the health licensing boards, the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, and the Department of Health who are unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals or any other material, or as a result of any mental, physical or psychological condition. The program does not affect a board's authority to discipline violations of a board's practice act. The committee designates one board to provide administrative management of the Health Professionals Services Program, sets the program budget and the pro rata share of program expenses to be borne by each participating board, provides guidance on the general operation of the program, including hiring of program personnel, and ensures that the program's direction is in accord with its authority. The program refers eligible regulated persons to qualified professionals for evaluation, treatment, and creation of a written plan for continued care consistent with the regulated person's illness in order to meet the needs of the participant and protect the public. It also monitors program participant's compliance with individualized program participation agreements or board orders. (2011)

In 2000, legislation made it mandatory for all health licensing Boards to participate in HPSP (MS §§ 214.28 to 214.29). Then, in 2006, the Department of Health worked with the legislature to establish a change enabling Occupational Therapy Practitioners and Assistants, Audiologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Hearing Instrument Dispensers, and Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practitioners to also be eligible for HPSP program services. (From: Minnesota Board of Dentistry: Report to the Legislature in Compliance with Minnesota Statutes Section 3D.06 (Sunset Review) (2011) - PART II: The Health Professionals Services Program)

The Dentistry Board is currently providing administrative management of the program, which includes setitng the program budget and the pro rata share of program expenses to be borne by each participating board, providing guidance on the general operation of the program, including hiring of program personnel, and ensuring that the programs direction is in accord with its authority.

The Health Professionals Services Program Committee consists of 1 person appointed by each participating board, with each participating board having one vote. Meetings are held quarterly. (2011)