(A) Definitions
(1) "License holder" applies to the following license types:
(a) Ocularist
(b) Optician
(c) Optometrist
(2) "Registrant" applies to apprentices registered with the board and under the supervision of a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist
(B) "Board" means the vision professionals board.
(C) For purposes of the rule, an individual license holder or registrant who accepts the privilege of practicing or training in this state is subject to the supervision by the board. The act of filing an application for licensure or being licensed by or registered with the board, the individual has given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination, at the individuals expense when ordered to do so by the board in writing, and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination of reports that constitute privileged communications.
(D) If the board receives information by the filing of a verified complaint with the board office or upon its own information that an individual license holders or registrants ability to practice has fallen below the acceptable and prevailing standards of care because of habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs or alcohol or other substances, or other medical condition or illness, the board may order the license holder or registrant to submit to a mental or physical examination at the license holders or registrants expense conducted by a designee of the board for the purpose of determining if there is an impairment that is posing a threat to the license holders or registrants well-being or the treatment of a patient whom the license holder or registrant serves.
(E) Failure of the individual license holder or registrant to submit to a mental or physical examination order by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual license holder or registrant unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individuals control.
(F) If the board determines that the individuals ability to practice or train is impaired the following actions may be taken:
(1) The board shall suspend or place restrictions on the individuals license to practice or registration to train; or
(2) Deny the individuals application for licensure or registration to train and require the individual to submit to treatment; or
(3) Other requirements as a condition for initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice or registration to train.
(G) The board at its discretion may:
(1) Contract with providers of impaired treatment programs.
(2) Receive and evaluate reports of suspected impairment from any source.
(3) Intervene in cases of verified impairment.
(4) Monitor treatment and rehabilitation of the impairment.
(5) Provide post-treatment monitoring and support.
(6) Provide other functions as necessary to carry out the provisions of this rule.
(H) The board approved treatment program shall:
(1) Receive relevant information from the board office and other sources regarding the potential impairment.
(2) Report in a five days any license holder or registrant:
(a) Who refuses to cooperate with an evaluation or investigation.
(b) Who refuses to submit to treatment/rehabilitation.
(c) Whose impairment is not substantially alleviated through treatment.
(d) Who in the opinion of the evaluators is unable to practice under their license or registration with reasonable skill and safety.
(3) Provide confidentiality of non-public information of the review process.
(4) Provide an initial report of the nature, severity, and progress of the impairment.
(5) Provide periodic reports, at a rate determined by the board concerning the license holders or registrants progress.
(6) Provide a final report including the treatment outcome and a finding as to the license holders or registrants fitness to practice.
(7) Follow any requirements outlined in a formal agreement the license holder, or applicant for licensure has entered into with the board.
(I) Pursuant to division (A) of section 4725.09 of the Revised Code, the board may establish a confidential, non-disciplinary program for the evaluation and treatment of eligible participant who need assistance with a potential or existing impairment due to abuse of or dependency on alcohol or drugs or other medical condition or illness. This program shall be known as the boards safe haven program.
(1) The board shall contract with one entity, hereafter referred to as the monitoring organization, to conduct the safe haven program. The monitoring organization shall determine the eligibility for participation in the safe haven program and provide associated services to eligible participants.
(2) Eligible participants shall include licensees of the board, apprentices, as well as applicants who have applied for a license from the board.
(3) Services provided by the monitoring organization include but are not limited to the following:
(a) Screening and/or evaluation for possible impairment due to abuse of or dependency on alcohol or other drugs or other medical condition or illness:
(b) Referral to treatment providers approved by the monitoring organization for the purpose of evaluating and/or treating impairment:
(c) Establishment of individualized monitoring criteria for a duration determined by the monitoring organization to ensure the continuing care and recovery from impairment: and
(d) Case management.
(4) The monitoring organization that contracts with the board to conduct the safe haven program may receive referrals from any of the following:
(a) Applicants, apprentices, and licensees;
(b) Other individuals;
(c) Employers;
(d) Professional societies and associations;
(e) Health care personnel and treatment providers;
(f) Other entities and organizations;
(g) The board.
(5) To participate in the safe haven program, an eligible participant must enter into an agreement with the monitoring organization to seek assistance for a potential or existing impairment due to abuse of or dependency on alcohol or other drugs or other medical condition or illness. The agreement may specify but is not limited to the following:
(a) Treatment and therapy plan.
(b) Support group participation.
(c) Case management.
(d) Duration of monitoring. Relapses and other failures to comply with the terms of the agreement may result in a longer period of monitoring. As appropriate, an addendum to the agreement may be initiated by the monitoring organization.
(e) Random toxicology testing.
(f) Releases for seeking information or records related to the participants impairment, including but not limited to family, peers, health care personnel, employers, and treatment providers.
(g) Grounds for dismissal from participation in the safe haven program for failure to comply with program requirements.
(h) Any required fees associated with participation in the safe have program, including but not limited to fees for toxicology testing.
(6) The board shall not institute disciplinary action based on impairment against a safe haven program participant so long as the participant enters into an agreement with the monitoring organization and complies with the same. The presence of impairment shall not excuse acts or preclude investigation or disciplinary action against a participant for other violations of this chapter or Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code.
(7) The monitoring organization shall report to the board for further investigation and/or action any participant who is unwilling or unable to complete or comply with any part of the safe haven program, including evaluation, treatment, or monitoring.
(8) The monitoring organization shall periodically provide a de-identified report to the board regarding all referrals for individuals licensed or registered by the board.
(9) All information received and maintained by the monitoring organization shall be held in confidence subject to section 2317.02 of the Revised Code and in accordance with federal law.
Last updated March 20, 2023 at 11:43 AM