Section 246-847-360. Approval of substance abuse monitoring programs.

The board will approve the monitoring program(s) which will participate in the board's substance abuse monitoring program. A monitoring program approved by the board may be contracted with an entity outside the department but within the state, out-of-state, or a separate structure within the department.

(1) The approved monitoring program will not provide evaluation or treatment to the participating occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants.

(2) The approved monitoring program staff must have the qualifications and knowledge of both substance abuse and the practice of occupational therapy as defined in this chapter to be able to evaluate:

(a) Clinical laboratories;

(b) Laboratory results;

(c) Providers of substance abuse treatment, both individuals and facilities;

(d) Support groups;

(e) The occupational therapy work environment; and

(f) The ability of the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant to practice with reasonable skill and safety.

(3) The approved monitoring program will enter into a contract with the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant and the board to oversee the occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's compliance with the requirements of the program.

(4) The approved monitoring program may make exceptions to individual components of the contract on an individual basis.

(5) The approved monitoring program staff will determine, on an individual basis, whether an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant will be prohibited from engaging in the practice of occupational therapy for a period of time and restrictions, if any, on the occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's access to controlled substances in the work place.

(6) The approved monitoring program shall maintain records on participants.

(7) The approved monitoring program will be responsible for providing feedback to the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant as to whether treatment progress is acceptable.

(8) The approved monitoring program shall report to the board any occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who fails to comply with the requirement of the monitoring program.

(9) The approved monitoring program shall receive from the board guidelines on treatment, monitoring, and limitations on the practice of occupational therapy for those participating in the program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.59.130. WSR 92-18-015 (Order 300B), § 246-847-360, filed 8/24/92, effective 9/24/92.]

RCW 18.59.130. WSR 92-18-015 (Order 300B), § 246-847-360, filed 8/24/92, effective 9/24/92.