Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 510 - RULES OF STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS › Chapter 510-5 - SUPPLEMENTAL CODE OF CONDUCT › Rule 510-5-.05 - Impairment

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) The
			 psychologist shall not undertake or continue a professional relationship with a
			 client when the psychologist is, or could reasonably be expected by the Board
			 to be, impaired due to mental, emotional, physiological, pharmacological, or
			 substance abuse conditions. If such a condition develops after a professional
			 relationship has been initiated, the psychologist shall terminate the
			 relationship in an appropriate manner, shall notify the patient or client in
			 writing of the termination, and shall assist the patient or client in obtaining
			 services from another professional.
(2)
Reporting Procedures and
			 Investigation.
The Board provides the following mechanism for the
			 identification, intervention, and referral for treatment of a licensed
			 psychologist or applicant who may be identified as impaired:
(a) A written statement shall be submitted to
			 the Board. The statement should include a description of the incidents which
			 led to the belief that the said licensee or applicant may be impaired. The
			 individual making the report/complaint does not need to have proof of the
			 impairment, but must state the facts which form the basis for their belief that
			 the individual is impaired.
(b) If,
			 after investigation of the complaint, the Board has reasonable grounds to
			 believe that the individual may be impaired, the Board may do any or all of the
			 following:
1. The Board may require a
			 licensee or applicant to submit to a mental, physical, or mental and physical
			 examination by an appropriate licensed practitioner designated by the
			 Board.
2. The Board may require a
			 licensee or applicant to produce or authorize the Board to obtain, any and all
			 records relating to the alleged incapacitating mental and/or physical
			 condition, including that individual's personal psychiatric and psychological
			 records.
3. The Board may refer
			 said licensee or applicant to an Impaired Colleague Assistance Program to
			 establish a diagnosis, a plan of treatment, and to determine a
			 prognosis.
(c) If
			 sufficient evidence supports the diagnosis of impairment, the Board will inform
			 the licensee or applicant of its belief that the licensee or applicant suffers
			 from an impairment which may effect his or her care of clients and/or the
			 ability to provide appropriate psychological services. Depending upon the
			 severity of the problem and the prognosis, the Board may require the licensee
			 or applicant to undertake a rehabilitation program recommended and monitored by
			 a Colleague Assistance Program approved by the Board, and may impose
			 appropriate restrictions on the licensee's or applicant's practice.
(d) If, at any point during the process of
			 evaluation or rehabilitation, the licensee or applicant refuses/fails to comply
			 with this procedure, such conduct may constitute the basis for the imposition
			 of disciplinary sanctions.