ICHP Position Statement - Chemical Dependency
The Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP) asserts that members of the pharmacy profession must not practice while subject to physical or mental impairment due to the influence of drugs and/or chemical substances that might adversely affect their ability to function properly in their professional capacity.
ICHP is committed to assist members of the profession who are chemically dependent in their recovery from this disease through education, information, referral for treatment, and peer support. ICHP encourages healthcare employers to do the same. The Illinois Professionals Health Program is essential to this effort.
It is imperative that resources be adequately and thoughtfully applied on a continuous basis to both educating society of the dangers of this public health problem and treating those who have become addicted.
ICHP encourages workplaces, colleges of pharmacy, and technician training programs to educate on substance use, misuse and addiction. In addition, ICHP encourages employers to proactively perform surveillance and facilitate access to treatment programs for impaired individuals.
ICHP supports the efforts of both governmental and private organizations in addressing substance abuse and chemical dependency and recommends that they periodically reassess the effectiveness of their processes for education, deterrence and treatment.
Revised 12/2022