Section 246-851-470. Participation in approved substance abuse monitoring program.

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

(a) The optometrist shall undergo a complete physical and psychosocial evaluation before entering the approved monitoring program. This evaluation will be performed by health care professional(s) with expertise in chemical dependency. The person(s) performing the evaluation shall not also be the provider of the recommended treatment.

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

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

(ii) The optometrist 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 optometrist shall complete the prescribed aftercare program of the intensive treatment facility, which may include individual and/or group psychotherapy.

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

(vi) The optometrist shall attend support groups facilitated by a health care professional and/or twelve step group meetings as specified by the contract.

(vii) The optometrist shall comply with specified employment conditions and restrictions as defined by the contract.

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

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

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

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

(a) The optometrist shall undergo a complete physical and psychological evaluation before entering the approved monitoring program. This evaluation shall be performed by health care professional(s) with expertise in chemical dependency. The person(s) performing the evaluation shall not also be the provider of the recommended treatment.

(b) The optometrist 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:

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

(ii) The optometrist 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 optometrist shall complete the prescribed aftercare program of the intensive treatment facility, which may include individual and/or group psychotherapy.

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

(vi) The optometrist shall attend support groups facilitated by a health care professional and/or twelve step group meetings as specified by the contract.

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

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

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

(3) The treatment and pretreatment records of license holders referred to or voluntarily participating in approved monitoring programs shall be confidential, shall be exempt from RCW 42.17.250 through 42.17.450 and shall not be subject to discovery by subpoena or admissible as evidence except for monitoring records reported to the disciplinary authority for cause as defined in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. Records held by the board under this section shall be exempt from RCW 42.17.250 through 42.17.450 and shall not be subject to discovery by subpoena except by the license holder.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.54.070, 18.130.050 and 18.130.186. WSR 92-06-030 (Order 248B), § 246-851-470, filed 2/26/92, effective 3/28/92.]

RCW 18.54.070, 18.130.050 and 18.130.186. WSR 92-06-030 (Order 248B), § 246-851-470, filed 2/26/92, effective 3/28/92.