Section 246-817-830. Participation in approved substance abuse monitoring program.

(1) In lieu of disciplinary action, the dentist may accept DQAC referral into an approved substance abuse monitoring program.

(a) The dentist shall undergo a complete physical and psychosocial evaluation before entering the approved monitoring program. This evaluation shall be performed by health care professionals with expertise in chemical dependency.

(b) The dentist shall enter into a contract with the approved substance abuse monitoring program to comply with the requirements of the program which shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(i) The dentist shall agree to remain free of all mind-altering substances, including alcohol, except for medications prescribed by an authorized prescriber, as defined in RCW 69.41.030 and 69.50.101.

(ii) The dentist shall submit to random drug screening as specified by the approved monitoring program.

(iii) The dentist shall sign a waiver allowing the approved monitoring program to release information to the DQAC if the dentist does not comply with the requirements of this contract.

(iv) The dentist shall undergo intensive substance abuse treatment in an approved treatment facility.

(v) The dentist must complete the prescribed aftercare program of the approved treatment facility, which may include individual and/or group psychotherapy.

(vi) The treatment counselor(s) shall provide reports, as requested by the dentist, to the approved monitoring program at specified intervals. Reports shall include treatment prognosis and goals.

(vii) The dentist shall attend dentists' support groups and/or twelve-step group meetings as specified by the contract.

(viii) The dentist shall comply with specified practice conditions and restrictions as defined by the contract.

(ix) Except for (b)(i) through (iii) of this subsection, an approved monitoring program may make an exception to the foregoing comments on individual contracts.

(c) The dentist is responsible for paying the costs of the physical and psychosocial evaluation, substance abuse treatment, random drug screens, and therapeutic group sessions.

(d) The dentist may be subject to disciplinary action under RCW 18.130.160 and 18.130.180 if the dentist does not consent to be referred to the approved monitoring program, does not comply with specified practice restrictions, or does not successfully complete the program.

(2) A dentist who is not being investigated by the DQAC or subject to current disciplinary action, not currently being monitored by the DQAC for substance abuse, may voluntarily participate in the approved substance abuse monitoring program without being referred by the DQAC. Such voluntary participants shall not be subject to disciplinary action under RCW 18.130.160 and 18.130.180 for their substance abuse, and shall not have their participation made known to the DQAC if they meet the requirements of the approved monitoring program:

(a) The dentist shall undergo a complete physical and psychosocial evaluation before entering the approved monitoring program. This evaluation shall be performed by health care professional(s) with expertise in chemical dependency.

(b) The dentist shall enter into a contract with the approved substance abuse monitoring program to comply with the requirements of the program which may include, but not be limited to the following:

(i) The dentist shall undergo approved substance abuse treatment in an approved treatment facility.

(ii) The dentist shall agree to remain free of all mind-altering substances, including alcohol, except for medications prescribed by an authorized prescriber as defined in RCW 69.41.030 and 69.50.101.

(iii) The dentist must complete the prescribed aftercare program of the approved treatment facility, which may include individual and/or group psychotherapy.

(iv) The dentist must cause the treatment counselor(s) to provide reports to the approved monitoring program at specified intervals. Reports shall include treatment prognosis and goals.

(v) The dentist shall submit to random observed drug screening as specified by the approved monitoring program.

(vi) The dentist shall attend dentists' support groups and/or twelve-step group meetings as specified by the contract.

(vii) The dentist shall comply with practice conditions and restrictions as defined by the contract.

(viii) The dentist shall sign a waiver allowing the approved monitoring program to release information to the DQAC if the dentist does not comply with the requirements of this contract.

(c) The dentist is responsible for paying the costs of the physical and psychosocial evaluation, substance abuse treatment, random drug screens, and therapeutic group sessions.

(3) Treatment and pretreatment records shall be confidential as provided by law.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.32.035. WSR 95-21-041, § 246-817-830, filed 10/10/95, effective 11/10/95.]

RCW 18.32.035. WSR 95-21-041, § 246-817-830, filed 10/10/95, effective 11/10/95.