CHIPS

What is CHIPS?

The CHIPS (Confidential Help for Impaired Professional Students) Program is a resource available to all students to provide the following:

Education and increased awareness of substance abuse.
Evaluation and treatment of persons having problems with alcohol or other drugs.
On-going support and follow-up.
Opportunity for continuing professional education without stigma or penalty.

Why the CHIPS Program?

Impairment among healthcare professionals can be a significant problem. While we all have problems of a personal nature from time to time, sometimes outside help may be needed. For example, unhealthy coping responses could show themselves in impaired performance, failing grades, or interpersonal conflicts, to mention a few.

A Few Words About Impairment

Sometimes students use alcohol or drugs to cope with the stresses of professional school. The impaired student is one whose drinking or drug use interferes with his or her ability to function according to accepted academic, professional or social standards.

How To You Use CHIPS?

Self referrals are encouraged. Usually, the impaired student will not voluntarily seek help but the impairment may be observed by a classmate, faculty member and or a friend. The reporting individual will relate the details of the situation to a CHIPS council member. This CHIPS council representative will review the situation and bring it to the entire council to determine the best plan of action. The identity of the student will remain anonymous within the council.

What is the Cost of CHIPS?

There is no cost for the CHIPS program. If you are referred for additional services, such as individual therapy or a treatment program, the cost may be covered by your student health insurance plan.

How Does CHIPS Work?

The early intervention process of CHIPS begins with a meeting with a representative of the council to assess, in a helpful and supportive way, the concern of possible impairment. The meeting will be conducted with one student representative and one faculty representative from the CHIPS Council. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the concern that a problem may exist, to express a commitment to help and to explain the evaluation and treatment resources available.

The CHIPS Program is Confidential

The success of the CHIPS Program is based on student trust and the belief that confidentiality is of the utmost importance. CHIPS is designed to protect both the impaired student and students who report an impaired colleague. Typically, only two CHIPS council representatives will know the identity of the person who enters the program. All efforts will be made to assure that a student in the program will not have their education and career opportunities adversely affected. When studies have been interrupted, the CHIPS program will assist the student in making arrangements for resuming and completing his or her education.

Through the CHIPS Program we can fulfill our duty to protect patients and others, while still compassionately caring for the well-being of our colleagues.

Failure of Treatment

The council will inform the appropriate dean of Student Affairs regarding the student’s situation only if the student refuses treatment, has demonstrated poor compliance, or if full recovery is doubtful. In those instances, evaluation and final disposition is a judgment determined by dean of the respective school, and is made in accordance with the existing policies and procedures.