Peer Assistance offered Free to TAAP Members

Senate Bill 155 made TAPNET possible. Finally, professionals working in the substance abuse field have the opportunity to receive assistance with their struggles instead of being shamed enough to resign their license, or get caught in situations where before, they had their license revoked. We are a field that believes in change, and hope! Why should the professionals that serve the field be treated differently, or as an unsalvageable population? DSHS, who regulates us, provided wonderful support for this program. Being one of the only professional licenses that did not provide this service; DSHS was a big support to this program and assisting TAPNET to develop this program in accordance with their standards. After all, they now require us to prove access to a peer assistance program in order to renew our license. Their help and support was instrumental in the development of a program that meets the requirements set forth in Senate Bill 155 and will assist professionals in the field.

The vision of TAPNET is to promote recovery from substance use and mental health disorders for addiction counseling professionals of Texas.

TAPNET’s Philosophy: That addiction and mental illness are chronic illnesses and relapse may occur. It is the Profession’s responsibility to protect the clients and support the rehabilitation of the impaired professional. A tremendous amount of money and training are invested in developing professionals to work with the chemically dependent and mentally ill. To allow the loss of his or her services without a concerted effort to rehabilitate them to healthy functioning would go against the belief that people can and do get better. These individuals can be assisted to return to full functioning with the use of peer assistance and monitoring to protect both the public and the integrity of the counseling field.

What TAPNET will do and will not do: TAPNET will offer the opportunity for assistance to LCDC’s, Counselor Interns, CCJP’s, Certified Chemical Dependency Counselors, Certified Clinical Supervisors, and Certified Prevention Specialists. Students working in or pursuing a career in chemical dependency counseling may also be eligible.

TAPNET will provide a peer assistance program that encompasses a program 2 years in length, that incorporates case management and monitoring services. Included in the program provided by TAPNET will be access to approved providers who will facilitate screenings and assessments for each participant, treatment services, individual and group counseling services, and when appropriate mental health services. There is also an EEP program (Extended Evaluation Program) for participants who do not qualify under an Axis I diagnosis for the full program, but who have been referred to peer assistance by a third party in order to return to safe practice. (E.G. a LCDC who receives a DWI, but does not have a diagnosis of substance abuse, substance dependence, or an Axis I mental health D/O). The EEP will provide 6 months of intensive monitoring and case management services for these participants.

TAPNET’s participation – How does someone enter TAPNET? Through means of referral as follows: Self – referral; a counselor is allowed to contact TAPNET and seek assistance on their own when they feel they may need assistance, feel themselves burning out, or fear they may be in relapse mode. Third Party referral; this may take the form of an employer referral, or referral from DSHS. When third party referral is involved, the participant in TAPNET will be asked to sign consents for release to work with the referral agency.

TAPNET will provide advocates in the 11 state regions of Texas. These advocates will be the first point of contact for a potentially impaired counselor in their area, to create a seamless entry into TAPNET services. The TAPNET participant will work with both their advocate and their case manager throughout the time they are involved in TAPNET.

TAPNET will work with employers and state bodies to advocate for their participants, and assist the participants in returning to work. TAPNET participation does follow the same confidentiality rules as any other assistance program, regulated by Federal Confidentiality Law 42 CFR part 2.

TAPNET will provide training throughout the state on peer assistance, provide training to advocate volunteers, and review applications for approved providers for services in all areas of Texas.
TAPNET and Senate Bill 155 will not force employers to retain an employee who is or may be impaired. The standards in Senate Bill 155 do not dictate that a counselor must remain working in the field while participating in TAPNET. TAPNET will provide access to services to successfully complete the appropriate peer assistance program, and then work with the participant and potential employers on a return to work agreement.

TAPNET will not guarantee that a participant will not have their licensed revoked. Only certain cases, most that are related to practice or care issues that may be affected by a substance abuse or mental health impairment will peer assistance serve to keep a license or registrant in good status upon completion. If there are other felony charges involved, these will be assessed on a case by case basis. TAPNET is not a magic wand quick fix for any and all situations.

As of September 2009, every LCDC, and CI must prove access to a peer assistance program. The fees to join TAPNET are $15.00 per year for LCDC’s (E.G. $30.00 at time of LCDC renewal every 2 years). CI’s are required to prove access upon registration of their CI at the same rate ($75.00 at time of registration covers proof and participation for a period of 5 years). If you are a student member of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP) or Associate or Professional member of TAAP, access to TAPNET is granted as part of your TAAP membership.

The TAPNET Board would like to extend a personal note of thanks to the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) who have been a guiding light for TAPNET in establishing policies and protocols that are sound and efficient, and for all their support. A special thanks to Mike VanDoren for mentoring us during this time. Also, a thank you to all the members of TAAP and TCBAP who gave their time and energy in creating the bones of TAPNET, especially Frank Davis, Scott Kelley, Phyllis Gardner, Tricia Hanson, Duane Galligher, Chris Shields, Susie Shields, Susan Bennett, Leslie Adkins, and Manda Mosley. Be aware public! That all TAPNET case managers and supporters are your volunteers through TAAP! TAPNET is established as a 501C-3 and all “staff” members are volunteering their time and energy on top of their full time jobs.

Interested in more information, becoming an advocate, enrolling in TAPNET, joining TAAP, or becoming an approved service provider? Contact TAPNET! peerassistance@taap.org Or log in to the TAAP website and follow the links to TAPNET applications and information. You may also call (512) 708-0629 or 1-877-4TAPNET.