AN ACT Relating to implementation of voluntary substance abuse monitoring programs for the regulated health professions; adding a new section to chapter 18.32 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 18.92 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 18.130 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 18.32 RCW to read as follows:

(1) To implement an impaired dentist program as authorized by RCW 18.130.175, the dental disciplinary board shall enter into a contract with a voluntary substance abuse monitoring program. The impaired dentist program may include any or all of the following:

(a) Contracting with providers of treatment programs;

(b) Receiving and evaluating reports of suspected impairment from any source;

(d) Referring impaired dentists to treatment programs;

(e) Monitoring the treatment and rehabilitation of impaired dentists including those ordered by the board;

(f) Providing prevention of impairment, posttreatment monitoring, and support of rehabilitated impaired dentists; and

(g) Performing other related activities as determined by the board.

(2) A contract entered into under subsection (1) of this section shall be financed by a surcharge of up to fifteen dollars on each license issuance or renewal to be collected by the department of licensing from every dentist licensed under chapter 18.32 RCW. These moneys shall be placed in the health professions account to be used solely for the implementation of the impaired dentist program.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 18.92 RCW to read as follows:

(1) To implement an impaired veterinarian program as authorized by RCW 18.130.175, the veterinary board of governors shall enter into a contract with a voluntary substance abuse monitoring program. The impaired veterinarian program may include any or all of the following:

(a) Contracting with providers of treatment programs;

(b) Receiving and evaluating reports of suspected impairment from any source;

(d) Referring impaired veterinarians to treatment programs;

(e) Monitoring the treatment and rehabilitation of impaired veterinarians including those ordered by the board;

(f) Providing prevention of impairment, posttreatment monitoring, and support of rehabilitated impaired veterinarians; and

(g) Performing other related activities as determined by the board.

(2) A contract entered into under subsection (1) of this section shall be financed by a surcharge of up to twenty-five dollars on each license issuance or renewal of a new license to be collected by the department of licensing from every veterinarian licensed under chapter 18.92 RCW. These moneys shall be placed in the health professions account to be used solely for the implementation of the impaired veterinarian program.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 18.130 RCW to read as follows:

(1) To implement a substance abuse monitoring program for license holders specified under RCW 18.130.040, who are impaired by substance abuse, the disciplinary authority may enter into a contract with a voluntary substance abuse program under RCW 18.130.175. The program may include any or all of the following:

(a) Contracting with providers of treatment programs;

(b) Receiving and evaluating reports of suspected impairment from any source;

(d) Referring impaired license holders to treatment programs;

(e) Monitoring the treatment and rehabilitation of impaired license holders including those ordered by the disciplinary authority;

(f) Providing prevention of impairment, posttreatment monitoring, and support of rehabilitated impaired license holders; and

(g) Performing other activities as agreed upon by the disciplinary authority.

(2) A contract entered into under subsection (1) of this section may be financed by a surcharge on each license issuance or renewal to be collected by the department of licensing from the license holders of the same regulated health profession. These moneys shall be placed in the health professions account to be used solely for the implementation of the program.