The board recognizes the need to establish a means of proactively providing early recognition and treatment options for denturists whose competency may be impaired due to the abuse of drugs or alcohol. The board intends that such denturists be treated and their treatment monitored so that they can return to or continue to practice their profession in a way which safeguards the public. To accomplish this the board shall approve voluntary substance abuse monitoring programs and shall refer denturists impaired by substance abuse to approved programs as an alternative to instituting disciplinary proceedings as defined in RCW 18.130.160.