Diversion programs for impaired physicians.

Nine states have legislated impaired physician programs administered by state medical boards (2), by independent agencies (4), or by medical societies through contracts with medical boards (3). All other state programs are administered by medical societies. California's diversion program has been in effect for more than 10 years. It was the first program for alcohol- and drug-addicted physicians in the country administered by the state agency that also disciplines physicians. Of the physicians who enrolled in this program, 72% have completed it successfully. A total of 618 physicians have been accepted into the program since its inception, with 247 physicians currently participating.