Who Qualifies for a Professional Health Program in Georgia?
Not everyone who struggles with substance use or mental health concerns is eligible for or required to participate in a Professional Health Program. PHP in Georgia is specifically designed for licensed professionals whose impairment affects, or may affect, their ability to practice safely.
This page clarifies who is eligible, how referrals work, and what the difference is between a board-required referral and a voluntary self-referral.
For a full overview of how PHP works, see our Complete Guide to Professional Health Programs in Georgia.
Who Is Eligible for PHP in Georgia?
PHP eligibility in Georgia is based on two criteria: professional licensure and the nature of the concern.
Licensed Professions Covered
Georgia’s PHP framework covers a wide range of licensed professions. Professionals in the following fields are eligible for PHP evaluations and, where applicable, monitoring programs:
Healthcare professions:
- Physicians (MD/DO) overseen by the Georgia Composite Medical Board
- Physician Assistants overseen by the Georgia Composite Medical Board
- Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) are overseen by the Georgia Board of Nursing
- Pharmacists (PharmD/RPh) are overseen by the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy
- Dentists and Dental Hygienists are overseen by the Georgia Board of Dentistry
- Optometrists overseen by the Georgia State Board of Optometry
- Veterinarians overseen by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine
- Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists are overseen by their respective Georgia boards
- Radiologic Technologists: overseen by the Georgia Board of Examiners in Professional Counseling (selected categories)
Legal profession:
- Attorneys overseen by the State Bar of Georgia
Other safety-sensitive licensed professions:
- Commercial pilots (FAA oversight, coordinated with Georgia providers)
- Licensed Professional Counselors and Social Workers are overseen by the Georgia licensing boards
- Real Estate professionals in select circumstances
If your profession requires a Georgia state license to practice and a substance use, mental health, or behavioral concern has been raised, PHP eligibility likely applies.
What Types of Concerns Qualify for PHP?
PHP is not limited to substance use disorders. Georgia’s PHP framework covers:
- Substance use disorders: Alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, benzodiazepine dependence, and other substance use disorders that affect or may affect professional functioning.
- Mental health conditions: include depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, burnout, compassion fatigue, and other psychological conditions that impair professional judgment, performance, or interpersonal functioning.
- Dual diagnosis: Co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions are the most common presentation among licensed professionals referred for PHP evaluation.
- Behavioral concerns: Behavioral patterns that raise concerns about professional fitness, including boundary violations, disruptive behavior, or impaired judgment, may also warrant a PHP evaluation, depending on the specific circumstances and board requirements.
Self-Referral vs. Board-Referral: Key Differences
There are two paths into PHP in Georgia. The distinction matters significantly.
Board-Referred (Involuntary)
A licensing board, employer, hospital credentialing committee, or court initiates the referral.
Common triggers include:
- A formal complaint filed with the licensing board
- A failed workplace drug test
- A DUI charge or substance-related criminal incident
- A Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) flag
- A colleague, supervisor, or patient report
- A hospital privilege suspension
When a board initiates a referral, participation in a PHP evaluation is typically required, not optional. Failure to comply is itself a disciplinary matter.
Self-Referral (Voluntary)
The professional recognizes a problem or anticipates that one may become visible and contacts a PHP evaluator before any board action.
Self-referral is available to any licensed professional in Georgia at any time. You do not need a board referral, employer directive, or formal complaint to schedule a PHP evaluation. You simply contact AACS Atlanta and request an evaluation.
Why self-referral is the stronger position:
- Demonstrates insight and willingness to address the concern proactively
- Strongest confidentiality protections, no mandatory board reporting required
- No public license record created
- Professional controls timing, evaluator selection, and disclosure
- Georgia licensing boards treat voluntary self-referral significantly more favorably than forced compliance
If you are aware of a situation that could lead to a board referral, a DUI charge, a workplace incident, or a pattern you recognize in yourself, self-referring before the board acts is almost always the better choice.
Who Does Not Qualify for PHP?
PHP is specifically designed for licensed professionals. The following situations typically fall outside the PHP framework:
- Unlicensed individuals (PHP is not a general substance abuse program)
- Professionals whose license has already been permanently revoked (PHP applies during active licensure)
- Individuals seeking general addiction treatment without a professional licensing component (AACS Atlanta offers general treatment services separately)
If you are unsure whether PHP applies to your situation, contact AACS Atlanta for a confidential consultation before scheduling.
Out-of-State Professionals: Does Georgia PHP Apply?
Georgia PHP applies to professionals licensed in Georgia. If you hold a Georgia license but currently reside or practice in another state, Georgia licensing board requirements still apply to your Georgia license.
AACS Atlanta provides telehealth PHP evaluations accepted by Georgia licensing boards, making geographic location less of a barrier. If your license is in Georgia and you receive a Georgia board referral, AACS Atlanta can conduct your evaluation remotely.
If your license is in another state but you are seeking evaluation in Georgia, AACS Atlanta works with professionals from all states and coordinates with out-of-state boards as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions: PHP Eligibility, Georgia
I have a substance use issue, but have not received a board referral. Can I still get a PHP evaluation?
Yes. Self-referral is available to any licensed professional in Georgia. You do not need a board referral to schedule a PHP evaluation at AACS Atlanta.
I received a DUI charge, but my board has not contacted me yet. Should I wait?
No. Self-referring before the board contacts you is almost always the stronger position. A DUI charge is a common trigger for a board referral. Acting proactively before the board initiates contact gives you more control over the process and typically results in better outcomes.
My license is in inactive status. Do I still qualify for PHP?
It depends on your board and the specific circumstances. Contact AACS Atlanta for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
I work in a safety-sensitive federal job (pilot, DOT-regulated position). Is this the same as a Georgia PHP?
Not exactly. Federal DOT and FAA programs have their own requirements, though they often overlap with PHP in substance. AACS Atlanta provides SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) evaluations for DOT-regulated professionals separately. Contact us to clarify which evaluation applies to your specific situation.
Can I be referred for PHP based on mental health alone, without any substance use?
Yes. Mental health impairment, including burnout, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, can independently qualify a professional for PHP evaluation and monitoring in Georgia.
Find Out If PHP Applies to Your Situation
If you have questions about eligibility, AACS Atlanta offers confidential consultations. Our clinical team can clarify what your specific licensing board requires and what the PHP process looks like for your profession.
Same-day appointments available. Telehealth accepted by Georgia licensing boards.
