Professional Assistance Procedure (PAP)

What is the Professional Assistance Procedure (PAP)?

The Professional Assistance Procedure (PAP) is a confidential and voluntary program for licensed professionals with substance abuse issues and who are committed to their own recovery. PAP protects the public by giving licensed professionals with substance abuse issues the opportunity to seek help and recovery.

PAP allows participants to continue practicing in their professions, without facing discipline for their problems. The counterpart is that participants must comply with the terms of a contract that is closely monitored by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services staff. The purpose of the contract, which can include drug testing and other measures, is to protect the public from the adverse risks inherent to substance abuse.

Are you a licensed professional struggling with substance abuse issues?

We encourage you to review the PAP instructions below on how to apply for and participate in Professional Assistance Procedure (PAP). Click Wisconsin DSPS Form 2654 here to view and/or download the form.

You can also click this link to read about Administrative Code Chapter SPS 7 related to PAP on the Wisconsin Legislature website.

Instructions to Apply for & Participate in Wisconsin's PAP

(Previously Wisconsin DSPS Form 2657 for Wisconsin PAP Application Instructions.)

1. Review the enclosed administrative rules. They provide structure to the Professional Assistance Procedure (PAP) and describe how the it operates.

2. If you choose to participate, complete the Application for PDP Participation & Authorization (Form 2654), and submit the information requested to the address listed in Item #5 and below.

3. If you have never had an assessment for chemical dependency or have not seen a chemical dependency professional within the last 4-6 months, you must make arrangements to have a current assessment as soon as possible.

   This information is necessary to determine your current treatment needs, if any. Your assessment must be conducted by a person who is certified as an alcohol and other drug abuse counselor in good standing.

   Your appointment should be scheduled within the next 30 days. Please arrange for a copy of the assessment to be sent directly to the Coordinator.

4. Once your application has been processed, you will receive an Agreement for Participation, a contract describing the conditions for participation. Please make a copy for your records; it is your responsibility to make sure you understand and comply with all terms and requirements. You may want to provide a copy to your therapist and/or work supervisor so each will assist you in compliance.

5. Please arrange for all of the listed materials to be sent to Wisconsin DSPS PAP at the address below within 14 days.

   Professional Assistance Procedure 
   Department of Safety and Professional Services
   P.O. Box 7190
   Madison, WI 53707-7190

If you have completed an AODA treatment program in the last 6 months, submit:

1. A copy of the initial assessment from your treatment provider;

2. A copy of your discharge summary from your treatment provider;

3. An update from your current therapist providing a summary of your involvement in recovery, therapist’s current recommendations for ongoing care, dates and results of all drug screens, diagnosis, prognosis and work restrictions, if necessary; and

4. A letter from your work supervisor summarizing your responsibilities and work performance.

If you are currently in an AODA treatment program, submit:

1. A copy of the initial assessment from your treatment provider;

2. An update from your treatment provider regarding your progress, as well as dates and results of all drug screens provided during treatment;

3. A copy of your discharge summary, upon discharge, providing diagnosis, prognosis, progress in treatment, recommendations for aftercare and work restrictions; and

4. A letter from your work supervisor summarizing your responsibilities and work performance.

If you have not completed an AODA treatment program or had an assessment in the last 6 months, please:

1. Arrange for an assessment with an approved facility and ask that verification of your appointment be forwarded immediately;

2. Within 14 days of completion, arrange for a copy of the assessment to be sent to the PAP Coordinator, providing diagnosis, prognosis, and recommendations for aftercare and work restrictions; and

3. Submit a letter from your work supervisor summarizing your responsibilities and work performance.

For detailed information, view Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 7 on the Wisconsin Legislature website.

Wisconsin PAP Differs from a Formal Disciplinary Process

Please note that participation in Wisconsin Professional Assistance Procedure (PAP) does not protect you from possible discipline if a complaint is filed against you, and you are found to have violated your obligations as a licensed professional.

However, you can participate in PAP while being part of a formal disciplinary process if the allegations against you are unrelated to practicing your profession while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

To begin the process or to learn more, please review and select from the PAP-related forms below:

Contact a PAP Coordinator

Do you want to contact a Wisconsin Professional Assistance Procedure (PAP) coordinator? If so, you can reach out by:

Email: DSPSImpairedProfessionalProcedure@wi.gov 

Phone: (608) 267-3817 and press 6 for PAP/Monitoring

Regular mail:

Professional Assistance Procedure 
Department of Safety and Professional Services
P.O. Box 7190
Madison, WI 53707-7190