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What evaluators must know for Utah’s Professionals Health Program: forensic evaluations, testing and fees
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Summary
The UPHP training outlined evaluator qualifications, the forensic (non‑therapeutic) nature of evaluations, required baseline testing (hair, PEth, urine), data‑reporting timelines and typical cost ranges for multi‑day and single‑provider assessments.
Kelly Jacobson, UPHP program manager, told attendees the comprehensive clinical evaluation required by UPHP is forensic in nature, independent, diagnostically rigorous and must include collateral information and an assessment of safety to practice.
"By rule, that's the definition," Jacobson said, describing the evaluation as an independent, forensic assessment that informs eligibility and monitoring needs.
Jacobson reviewed operational expectations for approved evaluators: disclose the full cost of the evaluation upfront; be able to schedule and perform evaluations in a timely manner (ideally within seven days or else refer or decline); provide preliminary diagnostic feedback within 24 hours of meeting the participant; and aim to deliver the full evaluation within 10 days when possible.
She listed required baseline toxicology: hair testing, PEth (a blood alcohol biomarker) and urine drug screen, with additional tests depending on the reported drug of choice. Jacobson said UPHP can arrange testing or evaluators may perform testing if they meet program requirements.
On qualifications, Jacobson said acceptable evaluators include physicians, licensed mental health professionals (CMHCs, licensed clinical social workers, psychologists), APRNs and physician assistants. For physicians conducting multi‑day multidisciplinary evaluations, presenters advised board certification and relevant training; evaluators should carry malpractice insurance and document ASAM training when applicable.
Jacobson stressed conflicts of interest rules. When asked whether evaluators may refer to their own treatment programs, she answered, "That's a hard no" and said evaluators should avoid evaluating people they treat and must disclose any treatment affiliations. The program plans to offer participants several approved treatment options rather than funnel referrals to a single provider.
Speakers described two broad evaluation pathways: multi‑day multidisciplinary evaluations (often used for complex or denying cases, 3–5 days, with neurocognitive testing and medical exams; estimated cost commonly between $3,000 and $9,000) and single‑provider comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments (used in many straightforward cases; estimated $300–$2,000 depending on licensure and components). Jacobson cautioned that forensic evaluations are often not covered by insurance and that licensees are responsible for evaluation and treatment costs; UPHP monitoring services themselves are covered by licensing fees and do not carry a monitoring charge.
Beth, a participant with multi‑day evaluator experience, added that multi‑day centers include psychiatrists, addiction specialists, psychologists and social workers and can produce long (sometimes 25‑page) reports used to guide credentialing and monitoring.
Jacobson closed the segment by pointing attendees to sample templates in the toolkit that show how to document ASAM dimension ratings, diagnostic criteria, safety‑to‑practice statements and recommended level of care for return‑to‑work planning.
