(a) The board may establish a Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program for the early identification of, and appropriate interventions to support a physician and surgeon in his or her rehabilitation from, substance abuse to ensure that the physician and surgeon remains able to practice medicine in a manner that will not endanger the public health and safety and that will maintain the integrity of the medical profession. The program, if established, shall aid a physician and surgeon with substance abuse issues impacting his or her ability to practice medicine.
(b) For the purposes of this article, “program” shall mean the Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program.
(c) If the board establishes a program, the program shall meet the requirements of this article.
(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 591, Sec. 1. (SB 1177) Effective January 1, 2017.)