Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Monitoring: A Collaborative Approach in theDivision of Professional Licensing

This post is in collaboration with the The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) & Prevention Workgroup of Utah.

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Substance use disorder is a reality that affects between 10% to 15% of Americans including our licensed healthcare professionals (HCPs) at some point during their careers. A licensed HCP faces unique risk factors including high stress, exposure to illness and trauma, and access to prescription drugs. A licensed HCP struggling with substance use disorder may be afraid to seek help due to fear of losing their license, livelihood, or community standing.

The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) processes more than 43,000 new licensure applications and 109,000 license renewal applications annually. A large percentage of these licenses are for HCPs. DOPL is responsible to ensure public safety by requiring that each licensed individual meets minimum licensing standards while also offering a pathway for a licensed HCP struggling with substance use disorder to maintain their license and career whenever possible.

DOPL has a multifaceted approach to addressing substance use disorders within the HCP

community and to protect public safety. DOPL identifies licensed professionals struggling with substance use disorder through several avenues within DOPL. These avenues include the following:

● Investigations: DOPL receives a complaint and conducts an investigation into a licensed

HCP’s potential substance use that may be impacting patient care.

● Licensing: DOPL reviews new licensing and renewal applications to identify legal

charges related to substance use or impairment due to a substance use disorder.

● Enforcement: Whenever necessary and to protect the public, DOPL takes disciplinary

action against an individual’s license which may include monitoring and probation.

● Utah Professionals Health Program (UPHP): UPHP offers a confidential and

non-disciplinary pathway to recovery for HCPs who meet certain requirements.

● Utah Controlled Substance Database (CSD): The CSD assists prescribing practitioners

and pharmacists to provide efficient care for their patients and to monitor their customers'

usage of controlled substances.

Introducing the SUD & Prevention Workgroup:

To enhance DOPL’s response to substance use-related issues, DOPL created The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) & Prevention Workgroup in summer 2024. The primary objectives of the

workgroup for DOPL are to streamline communication and coordination across DOPL teams,

develop targeted training opportunities for DOPL staff and board members, and increase

transparency and education about DOPL processes.

What's Next?

This article is the first in a series that will provide the healthcare community with a better

understanding of DOPL's programs that relate to substance use disorder. These articles will

explore DOPL’s Investigations, Licensing, Enforcement, the Utah Professionals Health Program, and the Utah Controlled Substance Database. The Goals of the Substance Use Disorder & Prevention Workgroup are to break down the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and encourage HCPs to seek assistance in their recovery, to reduce any negative impacts on their health, licenses, and to protect the public.

About the Authors

Connie Kitchens, PhD

Public Health Policy Manager, Utah Controlled Substance Database

Connie joined the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing in

fall 2021. She has many years of experience in public health, with much of it being tied to

substance abuse prevention. She taught Public Health full-time as an assistant

professor at two colleges. Dr. Kitchens has been the leader for many grants and

programs throughout her career and currently has three grants that help fund projects

with the Controlled Substance Database and Public Health consulting.

Kelli Jacobsen, MSW, LCSW

Program Manager, Utah Professionals Health Program

Kelli joined UPHP as the program manager in 2020. She earned her Master’s Degree in

Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in 2003 and has primarily worked with

adults with substance use disorders in various clinical settings. Kelli’s prior experience

includes working as a therapist and program director for an outpatient mental health and

substance abuse clinic in Oklahoma, as a therapist at the University of Utah, Assessment

and Referral Services, and in private practice. In her current role, Kelli oversees the daily

operations of UPHP, manages program development, and provides clinical direction

alongside the medical director. She integrates her clinical background and dedication to

destigmatizing substance use disorders in her work with healthcare professionals.

Outside of work, Kelli enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in outdoor

activities like skiing, mountain biking, and adventuring in the mountains and desert.