Section 246-851-470 - Participation in approved monitoring program(1) In lieu of disciplinary action, the optometrist may accept board referral into the approved monitoring program or voluntary substance use disorder monitoring program.(a) The optometrist shall undergo a complete physical and psycho-social evaluation before entering the approved monitoring program. This evaluation will be performed by health care professionals with expertise in chemical dependency.(b) The optometrist shall enter into a contract with the board and the approved 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 use disorder 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 or group psychotherapy.(iv) The optometrist shall cause the treatment counselor 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 or 12 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 use disorder 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 use disorder may voluntarily participate in the approved substance use disorder 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 use disorder, 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 professionals with expertise in chemical dependency. (b) The optometrist shall enter into a contract with the approved substance use disorder 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 use disorder 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 or group psychotherapy.(iv) The optometrist shall cause the treatment counselor 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 or 12 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 use disorder treatment, and random drug screens.(3) Treatment and pretreatment records shall be confidential as provided by law in chapters 42.56 and 42.17A RCW.Wash. Admin. Code § 246-851-470
Amended by WSR 23-22-067, Filed 10/25/2023, effective 11/25/2023Statutory Authority: RCW 18.54.070, 18.130.050 and 18.130.186. 92-06-030 (Order 248B), § 246-851-470, filed 2/26/92, effective 3/28/92.