32-1299

32-1299. Substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program; private contract; funding; stipulation

A. The board may establish a program for the treatment and rehabilitation of dentists, denturists and dental hygienists who are impaired by alcohol or drug abuse. This program shall include education, intervention, therapeutic treatment and post-treatment monitoring and support.

B. The board may contract with other organizations to operate the program established pursuant to this section. A contract with a private organization shall include the following requirements:

1. Periodic reports to the board regarding treatment program activity.

2. Release to the board on demand of all treatment records.

3. Quarterly reports to the board regarding each dentist's, denturist's or dental hygienist's diagnosis and prognosis and recommendations for continuing care, treatment and supervision.

4. Immediate reporting to the board of the name of an impaired practitioner who the treating organization believes to be a danger to the public or himself.

5. Immediate reporting to the board of the name of a practitioner who refuses to submit to treatment or whose impairment is not substantially alleviated through treatment.

C. The board may allocate an amount of not more than twenty dollars annually or sixty dollars triennially from each fee it collects from the renewal of active licenses for the operation of the program established by this section.

D. A dentist, denturist or hygienist who, in the opinion of the board, is impaired by alcohol or drug abuse shall agree to enter into a stipulation agreement with the board. The board shall place a licensee on probation if the licensee refuses to enter into a stipulation agreement with the board and may take other action as provided by law. The board may also refuse to issue a license to an applicant if the applicant refuses to enter into a stipulation agreement with the board.