On-pace to see highest number of new cases in program’s history
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (June 1, 2007) - Since moving to its new location at Princeton Insurance headquarters in 2005, the Professional Assistance Program of New Jersey (PAPNJ, or PAP for short) continues to grow exponentially as it heads into its 25th year of serving the healthcare professionals of New Jersey.
Formed initially to offer assistance to healthcare professionals who are hindered by substance abuse, the program that at one time seemed to have a bleak future is now gaining national recognition, according to Dr. Louis E. Baxter, Sr., Executive Medical Director of PAP. The program now accepts referrals for the management of all impairing conditions and disorders including psychiatric, metabolic, and physical. He explained that the once almost defunct organization is currently on-pace to see 145 new cases this year. He noted that previously, the program’s average per year was 85 new cases; and as a result, the small staff has been increased from five to nine over the past year to handle the increasing workload – four full-time and five part-time staff members.
“It’s pretty extraordinary,” said Dr. Baxter, who reformed and recreated the program after it was discontinued by the Medical Society of New Jersey in May of 2005. He said that he credits many different supporters, including Princeton Insurance, for their aid in helping to keep the program’s doors open. Princeton donates office space to the group at 742 Alexander Road.
Dr. Baxter added that another important achievement during its time at Princeton headquarters has been the establishment of a good working relationship with the licensing boards under the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Dr. Baxter poses in front of the PAP headquarters at 742 Alexander Road. The PAP logo and Princeton Insurance logo are proudly displayed on the glass.
“Through this relationship, we are better able to assist the licensing boards in managing cases of impairment,” said Dr. Baxter. “It also allows us to better protect the safety and welfare of the people of New Jersey.”
The executive medical director said that PAP has been part of a nation-wide study to examine the elements of successful monitoring that is experienced by those in the program. “Currently the PAP and other similar programs in the U.S. have a 92 percent, one-year success rate. Our program is the best with a 96.3 percent, five-year success rate.”
Preparing to celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary in September, Dr. Baxter said plans currently in the works include a golf outing and a dinner.
About Dr. Baxter
Recently named President-Elect of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Baxter currently serves on the Society’s Board of Directors. His professional expertise and experience have earned him much respect, along with national appointments, in the field of drug addiction, treatment and recovery.
Appointments of Dr. Baxter’s include: the NIH (National Institute of Health/National Institute of Drug Abuse) National Advisory Council; the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Drug Testing Advisory Board; the U.S. Olympic Anti-Doping Commission, the Robert Wood Johnson Advancing Recovery National Advisory Committee and the National Football League Substance Abuse Policy Committee and the Steroid Performance Enhancement Committee.
In addition, he recently wrote a chapter for the 7th Edition of Legal Medicine, titled “Patient’s Rights in Addiction Treatment.” The book was published by the American College of Legal Medicine in 2007.
He noted that the knowledge he gains from sitting on various boards and committees has proven to be invaluable to his work at PAP… and vice versa.
“Being involved on the national level, I have an opportunity to use the cutting edge information and data to perform my clinical duties,” said Dr. Baxter. “For example, with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, I learned and taught Best Practices in Addiction Treatment which ultimately helped us to better detect unauthorized use of drugs and alcohol in our drug testing program here with the healthcare professionals that would have been previously undetected.
“Further, the things that we have learned at PAP, I am able to bring to the national table and share with fellow researchers,” he added.
About PAP
The mission of the Professional Assistance Program of New Jersey is to provide services to protect the public safety and welfare of the citizens of New Jersey through education, identification, evaluation, treatment planning, and advocacy for licensed healthcare and other professionals in stable documented recovery from impairing medical conditions and illnesses.
About Princeton Insurance
Princeton Insurance, headquartered in West Windsor, is the leading medical malpractice insurer in New Jersey, serving the state’s hospitals and individual healthcare professionals since 1976.