Sec. 4.5. (a) As used in this section, "impaired pharmacist" means a licensed pharmacist who has been affected by the use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs.
(b) The board shall assist in the rehabilitation of an impaired or a licensed pharmacist. The board may:
(1) enter into agreements, provide grants, and make other arrangements with statewide nonprofit professional associations, foundations, or entities specifically devoted to the rehabilitation of impaired health care professionals to identify and assist impaired pharmacists or licensed pharmacists; and
(2) accept and designate grants, public and private financial assistance, and licensure fees to fund programs under subdivision (1).
(c) Except as provided in subsection (e), all:
(1) information furnished to a nonprofit professional organization or foundation, including interviews, reports, statements, and memoranda; and
(2) findings, conclusions, or recommendations that result from a proceeding of a professional organization or foundation;
are privileged and confidential.
(d) The records of a proceeding under subsection (c) may be used only in the exercise of the proper functions of the board and may not become public records or be subject to a subpoena or discovery proceeding.
(e) Information received by the board from the board designated rehabilitation program for noncompliance by the licensed pharmacist may be used by the board in any disciplinary or criminal proceedings instituted against the impaired licensed pharmacist.
(f) The board designated rehabilitation program shall:
(1) immediately report to the board the name and results of any contact or investigation concerning an impaired licensed pharmacist that the program believes constitutes an imminent danger to either the public or the impaired licensed pharmacist; and
(2) in a timely fashion report to the board an impaired licensed pharmacist:
(A) who refuses to cooperate with the program;
(B) who refuses to submit to treatment; or
(C) whose impairment is not substantially alleviated through treatment.
As added by P.L.188-1995, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.182-2003, SEC.1.