FSPHP Insights 

August 21, 2026

Attention FSPHP Members:  Don't Miss Next Week's Virtual Events!

Sharing De-identified PHP Data for the FSPHP Research Information System under 42 CFR Part 2 with Attorney Helen Oscislawski 

Monday, August 24, 2026
3:00–4:00 PM ET
▶️Register: Sharing De-Identified PHP Data with the FSPHP RIS

FSPHP has received a formal legal opinion from Helen Oscislawski Law, a 42CFR expert, confirming that state PHPs can share de-identified data with the FSPHP Research Information System (RIS) in full compliance with 42 C.F.R. Part 2, a significant step forward for our national research efforts. The key finding is straightforward: once data is properly de-identified under HIPAA standards, it falls outside Part 2's restrictions altogether, clearing the path for PHPs to contribute to the RIS.

This webinar will walk through what the opinion means in practice, what conditions must be met, and how FSPHP's RIS design and IRB exemption status have been confirmed as meeting the necessary requirements. As leaders in physician health, your presence and awareness of this development is important as we advance the field together.

PEER™ Open Forum: Informative and Informal Conversations on the PEER™ Process
Friday, August 28, 2026
11:00 AM–12:00 PM ET

▶️Register: PEER™ Open Forum

Join this informative and informal forum to hear directly from physician health programs that have completed PEER™ and from the subject matter experts who supported their reviews. This open conversation is designed to make the PEER™ process more approachable by sharing their experience, practical lessons learned, and perspectives on how the process works in practice. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear candid reflections, and learn how PEER™ can support quality improvement and program development. 

Who Should Attend:

  • PHP leaders and staff
  • Board and committee members
  • Programs considering PEER participation
  • Programs already preparing for PEER
  • Anyone interested in learning from completed programs and SMEs

Two Room Blocks for FSPHP 2027 - Now Open!

The FSPHP 2027 Annual Education Conference will be held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center located in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma just east of Scissortail Park.

FSPHP has reserved a block of rooms at the following properties offering special discounted rates:

Wyndham Grand Oklahoma City Downtown
(0.5 miles/12 mins walk to OKC Convention Center)
10 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: (405) 228-8000
Room Rate: $159/night plus taxes
Last Day to Book/Block expires: Saturday, March 13, 2027
Reservations Link: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotels/55979?checkInDate=04/12/2027&checkOutDate=04/19/2027&groupCode=041227FSP

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Oklahoma City Downtown 
(0.2 miles/3 mins walk to OKC Convention Center)
10 SW 4th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Phone: (405) 604-5050
Room Rate: $169/night plus taxes
Last Day to Book/Block expires: Monday, March 29, 2027
Reservations Link: https://app.marriott.com/resview2?id=1785265738634&key=GRP&app=resvlink

Presentation Proposals Now Being Accepted

We invite you to submit a presentation proposal that aligns with our 2027 Annual Education Conference theme - Leading the Way: The Future of Professional Health Programs.

Whether you're addressing emerging trends, sharing research, or offering practical tools for professional health programs, we want to hear from you!

SUBMISSIONS DUE:
Oral Presentations - September 30, 2026
Poster Presentations - December 31, 2026

Learn more & submit abstract  

When Physicians Become Patients, Care Looks Different

Join FSPHP on September 23, 2026 (1:00–3:00 PM ET) for When Physicians Become Patients: Providing Care for General Medical, Mental Health, and Substance Use Disorders, an expert‑led webinar on navigating the unique clinical, ethical, and relational challenges of caring for physician‑patients across medical, mental health, and substance-use care.

This session will provide evidence‑informed strategies for maintaining boundaries, protecting confidentiality, assessing risk, and collaborating effectively with Physician Health Programs.

We extend our sincere thanks to The Physicians Foundation, whose support makes this webinar possible.

REGISTER: https://fsphp.mclms.net/en/package/19114/view

Agendas Now Available:  Fall Regional Member Meeting 

The FSPHP Virtual Fall Regional Member Meetings are just around the corner! These gatherings offer a unique opportunity for all FSPHP members to connect, share insights, and collaborate on advancing best practices in healthcare professional well-being.
 
All members are welcome to attend. 

If you are unable to participate in your designated regional meeting, please feel free to register for and attend the Regional Member Meeting that best fits your schedule. Better yet, register for and attend multiple meetings to gain additional perspectives and strengthen connections with members across all regions. 
 

FSPHP 2026 Regional Member Meetings 

Southeast Region - Monday, November 23

Central Region - Monday, November 30

Northeast Region - Thursday, December 3

Western Region - Tuesday, December 15 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER!

Regional Member Meetings are an FSPHP Member benefit. Log-in required to register. 

FSPHP Issues Press Releases Announcing Successful PEERTM Completions by Alabama and Georgia

FSPHP issued press releases this week proudly congratulated the Alabama Professionals Health Program and the Georgia Professional Health Program on their successful completions of the Performance Enhancement and Effectiveness Review™ (PEER™) Program.

PEER™ is a structured review process designed to empower Physician Health Programs (PHPs) and other safety-sensitive professional health programs to use the FSPHP PHP Guidelines as a practical tool for identifying opportunities to optimize performance and effectiveness in alignment with best practices among PHPs.

Read these announcements on the FSPHP News webpage.

Learn more about PEERTM and apply now!

ALL IN For Health Workers’ Mental Health Events in NYC

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month and with the generous support of The Illumination Fund, the ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare coalition, which is led by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation, is hosting ALL IN for Health Workers’ Mental Health gatherings on September 15th and 16th from 7-9 p.m. each evening.

These special evenings, at NYC Health + Hospitals (Bellevue in Manhattan and Lincoln in the Bronx), are open to all health workers in the NYC Tri-State Area to come together as a community for open dialogue, shared healing, and inspiring action and advocacy. 

Reserve your spot: Attendance is free, but to protect the intimacy of this gathering, space is limited. 

Please RSVP for the location you wish to attend at the link here.

During the event, you can expect:

  • Spark Empathetic Dialogue Through Art: Engage with an impactful art collection made from medical materials to spark conversations about barriers to mental health care, honor health workers who died by suicide, and celebrate the release of a new portrait of a health worker in recovery thanks to the power of this art exhibit inspiring a conversation among colleagues. 
  • Shared Healing Through Storytelling: Listen to fellow health workers share their personal journeys of navigating mental health distress, getting support, and finding recovery and connection. 
  • Driving Systemic Change: Celebrate local hospitals and health systems driving real operational change to support their workforce’s mental health, and gain the knowledge and tools to support access to mental health care for yourself, your peers, and within your own organization. 

Professionals Resource Network of Florida Publishes New Research Highlighting the Impact of Physician Health Programs

A newly published study in The American Journal on Addictions offers valuable insight into how healthcare professionals perceive their experience participating in a state Physician Health Program (PHP). Drawing on exit interviews with 666 program completers, the research found that most participants viewed PHP involvement as a critical source of support in their recovery and professional well-being, while also identifying opportunities to reduce financial and logistical burdens associated with monitoring.

The Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) is proud to recognize the contributions of FSPHP members, Cristiana N. P. Araujo, PhD, a member of the FSPHP Research Committee; Lisa Merlo, PhD, MPE, Co-Chair of the FSPHP Research Committee; and Alexandria Polles, MD former FSPHP Board Director. Their work on this important study helps advance understanding of the value of physician health programs and informs ongoing efforts to support healthcare professionals nationwide.

Read the article

Read more related content on the FSPHP Research about PHPs and Health Professionals webpage

Opportunities to Engage, Support, & Fuel Connection

Sponsor the Fall 2026 issue of Physician Health News

SPONSORSHIP SIZES & PRICING:

Sponsorships Due September 28.

LEARN MORE

 

Submit an Article for Physician Health News 

Content Submission Due September 4.

LEARN MORE

Sponsor a Regional Member Meeting

LEARN MORE

FSMB AM27 Call for Presentation Abstracts

Submission Period:  August 3 - September 30, 2026

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) invites state medical boards, international medical regulatory authorities and partner organizations, to submit abstracts for presentation at the FSMB 2027 Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City. This is an opportunity to showcase innovative models, policies, research, and strategies that advance public protection and strengthen medical regulation.

Over three days, leaders from across the regulatory community will share lessons learned, discuss emerging risks and highlight practical solutions that boards can adapt in their own jurisdictions.

FSMB is particularly interested in sessions that:

  • are tailored to specific roles (e.g., board    members, public members, executive directors, investigators, licensing staff, board attorneys, communications staff), and
  • provide concrete tools (e.g., decision frameworks, sample policies, checklists, workflows, or case scenarios) that attendees can adapt in their own boards.
LEARN MORE

Your Generosity Could Transforms Lives!

FSPHP’s strength comes from the community behind it. Thanks to the ongoing support of members, colleagues, and donors, we continue advancing our mission to support Physician and Health Professional Programs (PHPs) in improving the health of medical professionals, thereby contributing to quality patient care.
 
At a time when physician burnout and mental health challenges remain critical, your support helps sustain a national framework for accountability, consistency, and excellence.

Every gift makes a difference. 

Upcoming FSPHP Events

Sharing De-identified PHP Data for the FSPHP Research Information System under 42 CFR Part 2 with Attorney Helen Oscislawski

Monday, August 24 at 3pm Eastern

 

Funding Development Committee

Wednesday, August 26 at 1pm Eastern

 

Research Committee

Wednesday, August 26 at 4pm Eastern

 

Finance Committee

Thursday, August 27 at 3pm Eastern

 

Task Force to Support Safe Haven

Friday, August 28 at 12:30pm Eastern

 

PEER™ Open Forum: Informative and Informal Conversations on the PEER™ Process

Friday, August 28 at 11am Eastern

 

Open Forum Leadership Meeting

Friday, November 20, 2026
12:00PM - 1:00PM Eastern Time
Facilitator: Susan K. Blank, MD, LFAPA, DFASAM, Medical Director, Georgia Professional Health Program

Register!

 

REGIONAL MEMBER MEETINGS

Southeast - Monday, November 23

Central - Monday, November 30

Northeast - Thursday, December 3

Western - Tuesday, December 15

Open to all FSPHP members. Members are welcome to attend any Regional Meeting, regardless of their designated region.

Become a Regional Member Meeting Sponsor!

Federation of State Physician Health Programs
668 Main Street, Suite 8, #295
Wilmington, MA 01887
Phone: 978-347-0600
www.fsphp.org
Follow FSPHP on LinkedIn

Best way to contact us is by email:
[email protected] Linda Bresnahan, MS, FSPHP Executive Director
[email protected] Jennifer Hernandez, Meeting Planning Assistant
[email protected] Jolie Estes, Accreditation & Project Specialist
[email protected] Melissa Strok, Executive Assistant & Association Project Coordinator