OAR 818-013-0005: Participation in Health Professionals’ Services Program

(1) Effective July 1, 2010, the Board participates in the Health Professionals’ Services Program (HPSP). (a) The Board establishes procedures to process cases of licensees preparatory to transfer to HPSP. (b) The procedures will be confidential, non-disciplinary, and voluntary. (c) The Executive Director will have overall management responsibilities for the procedures. The Executive Director will designate Board staff to serve as Diversion Coordinator(s) who will manage and conduct investigations and report to the Board. (d) The Diversion Coordinator(s) will investigate information related to addiction to, dependence upon, or abuse of alcohol, drugs, or mind altering substances or mental health disorders, by licensees and provide licensees with resources for evaluations, if appropriate. (2) Only licensees of the Board who meet the referral criteria may be referred by the Board to the HPSP. (a) The Board may refer a licensee to the HPSP in lieu of public discipline. (b) In the event a licensee declines to submit to an evaluation or declines referral to HPSP, the Diversion Coordinator(s) will present the matter to the Board for decision and the Board’s action may jeopardize the confidential nature of licensee’s status as a candidate for, or enrollment in, HPSP.