(a) An “impaired pharmacist” is a pharmacist whose use or abuse of drugs or alcohol affects that pharmacist's ability to practice pharmacy. An impaired pharmacist may be eligible to enter an approved treatment program pursuant to an agreement with the Executive Secretary and the Board president.
(b) Disciplinary action will not be taken against a pharmacist who enters into and successfully completes an approved treatment program pursuant to subsection (a) of this section as long as a complaint has not been filed against the pharmacist and as long as the pharmacist has not been convicted of, or has not pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or a drug offense. Records related to a treatment program under this section are not public records, and may be used in a subsequent related disciplinary matter before the Board only if the pharmacist was, or could have been, disciplined.
(c) A pharmacist who does not qualify under subsection (b) of this section may, nevertheless, enter into an agreement with the Executive Secretary and the Board President to participate in an approved treatment program. Action on a disciplinary complaint may be deferred and ultimately dismissed if the pharmacist successfully completes the treatment program.
(d) An agreement pursuant to this section that permits an impaired pharmacist to enter into an approved treatment program must contain at least the following provisions:
(1) The pharmacist must agree not to engage in the practice of pharmacy for the duration of the treatment program.
(2) The pharmacist must sign a release so that records of treatment and progress are released to the Executive Secretary and the Board president.
(3) If the pharmacist does not make satisfactory progress in the program, the agreement is void and an investigation and disciplinary proceedings may be pursued.
(4) The pharmacist must agree to submit to random drug and alcohol screening at a specified laboratory or health care facility.
(5) The pharmacist must agree to be personally responsible for all cost related to the program.
(e) A pharmacist who successfully completes an approved treatment program may return to the practice of pharmacy if the Executive Secretary and the Board President determine that the pharmacist's return to practice will not endanger the public health, safety, or welfare. The Executive Secretary and the President may require the pharmacist to agree to specific conditions of practice to protect the public.