IBM Strategic Plan

 Goals

Strategic Actions

Continuously improve the application review process

• Identify and implement the use of monitoring data

• Continuously review procedures and develop necessary updates

Continuously evaluate the laws and rules governing the licensing process.

• Review administrative rules on a monthly basis.

• Propose amendments and updates to the laws and rules governing the licensing process.

 Goals

Strategic Actions

Perform a timely and thorough review of every complaint received

• Attempt to contact every complainant

• Review all new complaints weekly by the Complaint Review Committee

• Refer appropriate cases to the Screening Committee

Perform timely and thorough investigations

• Gather relevant evidence for each investigation, including patient records, interviews, and any other information necessary to aid the Board in its review

Ensure professional and effective communication with complainants, licensees, witnesses, and other interested parties throughout the investigation process

• Maintain professional demeanor and attire when interacting with interested parties

• Respond timely to questions and requests by interested parties

• Incorporate rules to facilitate better communication during the complaint process in an effort to promote health equity and eliminate health disparities within the State of Iowa.

Advocate and support the retention of investigation staff to improve the enforcement process

• Provide necessary technology, including equipment and software essential for thorough investigations

• Provide ongoing training opportunities, such as for trauma-informed and culturally sensitive interviewing techniques

Continuously evaluate the investigative process to increase efficiency and reduce delays

• Implement a pre-investigation rating system into the complaint review process to assist in the determination of investigation type.

• 1. Screening committee

• 2. Letter, response and records case.

• 3. Full investigation. 

 Goals

Strategic Actions

Ensure the board initiates disciplinary charges only upon appropriate probable cause

• Ensure the board’s decisions are based on prevailing standards of care and professional ethics

• Provide for comprehensive licensee evaluations when complaints raise issues of questionable competency, behavior, or impairment

• Order peer reviews by independent licensees as well as practice reviews and further investigations in close cases to determine whether the standard of care was breached

Ensure that the administration of disciplinary action is appropriate, fair, and consistent

• Maintain unbiased and even-handed procedures for disciplinary decision making

• Provide licensees subject to discipline with a timely opportunity to be heard

 Goals

Strategic Actions

Apply best practices for monitoring disciplined licensees while protecting the public

• Ensure disciplined licensees fully comply with board ordered requirements

• Communicate timely with staff and board all concerns with the licensee

• Communicate problems and successes with licensees while they are monitored

• Treat all licensees with respect and professionalism

 Goals

Strategic Actions

Assist and monitor licensees faced with mental, physical, or substance use disorders that could impact their ability to practice safely

• Ensure licensees fully comply with program requirements

• Communicate timely with treatment providers, Iowa Physician Health Committee, & legal council concerns with a licensee

• Communicate concerns and successes with licensees while they are monitored

• Treat licensees with respect, compassion and professionalism

Apply best practices for monitoring licensees while protecting the public

• Maintain membership with the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP).

• Utilize the FSPHP Physician Health Program Guidelines when establishing or revising program procedures.

• Participate in continuing education related to substance use, mental health, and case management.

Increase awareness of the IPHP throughout the medical community. 

• Promote outreach to residency programs, hospitals, and clinics.

• Promote outreach to treatment providers of healthcare professionals.

• Maintain IPHP website with up-to-date information.