The goal of the procedure is to protect the public by offering credential holders an opportunity for rehabilitation and safe return to professional practice. The Impaired Professionals Procedure is available to those professions directly credentialed by the department, as well as those credentialed by the boards. Each board has a board liaison designated to make decisions regarding eligibility and requirements for participation, utilizing criteria set by the board. Once the Board Liaison determines eligibility, the credential holder must agree to an assessment for chemical dependency conducted by a qualified treatment provider. The results of the assessment are considered when setting requirements for participation.
All boards utilize a variation of the following requirements.
In most cases, practice supervision is also required. Other restrictions may be included if deemed necessary to protect the public. Progress is monitored through quarterly reports from the treatment provider and practice supervisor. Any apparent violation is to be reported immediately. In some cases of violation, the credential holder may be required to submit to additional requirements or work restrictions.