§ 17-90-503 - Definitions.

17-90-503. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

(1) "Board" means the State Board of Optometry with reference to optometrists;

(2) "Impaired" or "impairment" means the presence of the diseases of alcoholism, drug abuse, or mental illness;

(3) "Impaired Optometrist Treatment Program" means the State Board of Optometry-approved or sponsored program for the detection, intervention, and monitoring of impaired providers;

(4) (A) "Professional incompetence" means the inability or failure of an optometrist to practice his or her profession with reasonable skill and safety.

(B) Impairment in and of itself shall not give rise to a presumption of professional incompetence; and

(5) "Treatment program" means a plan of care and rehabilitation services provided by those organizations and persons authorized to provide such services for impaired providers taking part in the programs provided under this subchapter.