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Senate Bill 1441 (Ridley-Thomas)
Implementation by
Department of Consumer Affairs,
Substance Abuse Coordination Committee
UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
Substance Abuse Coordination Committee
Brian Stiger, Chair
Director, Department of Consumer Affairs
Elinore F. McCance-Katz, M.D., Ph. D.
CA Department of Alcohol & Drug Programs
Janelle Wedge
Acupuncture Board
Kim Madsen
California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Robert Puleo
Board of Chiropratic Examiners
Lori Hubble
Dental Hygiene Committee of California
Richard De Cuir
Dental Board of California
Joanne Allen
Hearing Aid Dispensers
Linda Whitney
Medical Board of California
Heather Martin
California Board of Occupational Therapy
Mona Maggio
California State Board of Optometry
Teresa Bello-Jones
Board of Vocational Nursing and
Psychiatric Technicians
Donald Krpan, D.O.
Osteopathic Medical Board of California
Francine Davies
Naturopathic Medicine Committee
Virginia Herold
California State Board of Pharmacy
Steve Hartzell
Physical Therapy Board of California
Elberta Portman
Physician Assistant Committee
Jim Rathlesberger
Board of Podiatric Medicine
Robert Kahane
Board of Psychology
Louise Bailey
Board of Registered Nursing
Stephanie Nunez
Respiratory Care Board of California
Annemarie Del Mugnaio
Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispenser Board
Susan Geranen
Veterinary Medical Board
Staff Working Group
Susan Lancara, DCA, Legislative & Policy Review LaVonne Powell, DCA Legal Counsel Laura Edison Freedman, DCA Legal Counsel Katherine Demos, DCA, Legislative & Policy Review Kristine Brothers, Acupuncture Board Kim Madsen, Board of Behavioral Sciences April Alameda. Board of Chiropractic Examiners Richard DeCuir, Dental Board of California Kimberly Kirchmeyer, Medical Board of CA Jeff Hanson, Board of Occupational Therapy Margie McGavin, Board of Optometry Felisa Scott, Osteopathic Medical Board Anne Sodergren, Board of Pharmacy Glenn Mitchell, Physician Assistant Committee Debi Mitchell, Physical Therapy Board of CA Carol Stanford, Board of Registered Nursing Liane Freels, Respiratory Care Board
Amy Edelen, Veterinary Medical Board Marilyn Kimble, Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians
UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
Table of Contents
Uniform Standard #1
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Uniform Standard #2
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Uniform Standard #3
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Uniform Standard #4
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Uniform Standard #5
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Uniform Standard #6
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Uniform Standard #7
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Uniform Standard #8
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Uniform Standard #9
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Uniform Standard #10
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Uniform Standard #11
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Uniform Standard #12
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Uniform Standard #13
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Uniform Standard #14
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Uniform Standard #15
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Uniform Standard #16
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
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#1 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Specific requirements for a clinical diagnostic evaluation of the licensee, including, but not limited to, required qualifications for the providers evaluating the licensee.
#1 Uniform Standard
If a healing arts board orders a licensee who is either in a diversion program or whose license is on probation due to a substance abuse problem to undergo a clinical diagnosis evaluation, the following applies:
1.
The clinical diagnostic evaluation shall be conducted by a licensed practitioner who: holds a valid, unrestricted license, which includes scope of practice to conduct a clinical diagnostic evaluation; has three (3) years experience in providing evaluations of health professionals
with substance abuse disorders; and,
is approved by the board.
2.
The clinical diagnostic evaluation shall be conducted in accordance with acceptable professional standards for conducting substance abuse clinical diagnostic evaluations.
3.
The clinical diagnostic evaluation report shall:
set forth, in the evaluator’s opinion, whether the licensee has a substance abuse problem;
set forth, in the evaluator’s opinion, whether the licensee is a threat to himself/herself or others; and,
set forth, in the evaluator’s opinion, recommendations for substance abuse treatment, practice restrictions, or other recommendations related to the licensee’s rehabilitation and safe practice.
The evaluator shall not have a financial relationship, personal relationship, or business relationship with the licensee within the last five years. The evaluator shall provide an objective, unbiased, and independent evaluation.
If the evaluator determines during the evaluation process that a licensee is a threat to himself/herself or others, the evaluator shall notify the board within 24 hours of such a determination.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
For all evaluations, a final written report shall be provided to the board no later than ten (10) days from the date the evaluator is assigned the matter unless the evaluator requests additional information to complete the evaluation, not to exceed 30 days.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
#2 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Specific requirements for the temporary removal of the licensee from practice, in order to enable the licensee to undergo the clinical diagnostic evaluation described in subdivision (a) and any treatment recommended by the evaluator described in subdivision (a) and approved by the board, and specific criteria that the licensee must meet before being permitted to return to practice on a full-time or part-time basis.
#2 Uniform Standard
The following practice restrictions apply to each licensee who undergoes a clinical diagnostic evaluation:
1.
The Board shall order the licensee to cease practice during the clinical diagnostic evaluation pending the results of the clinical diagnostic evaluation and review by the diversion program/board staff.
2.
While awaiting the results of the clinical diagnostic evaluation required in Uniform Standard #1, the licensee shall be randomly drug tested at least two (2) times per week.
After reviewing the results of the clinical diagnostic evaluation, and the criteria below, a diversion or probation manager shall determine, whether or not the licensee is safe to return to either part-time or fulltime practice. However, no licensee shall be returned to practice until he or she has at least 30 days of negative drug tests.
the license type;
the licensee’s history;
the documented length of sobriety/time that has elapsed since substance use
the scope and pattern of use;
the treatment history;
the licensee’s medical history and current medical condition;
the nature, duration and severity of substance abuse, and
whether the licensee is a threat to himself/herself or the public.
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#3 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Specific requirements that govern the ability of the licensing board to communicate with the licensee’s employer about the licensee’s status or condition.
#3 Uniform Standard
If the licensee who is either in a board diversion program or whose license is on probation has an employer, the licensee shall provide to the board the names, physical addresses, mailing addresses, and telephone numbers of all employers and supervisors and shall give specific, written consent that the licensee authorizes the board and the employers and supervisors to communicate regarding the licensee’s work status, performance, and monitoring.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
#4 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Standards governing all aspects of required testing, including, but not limited to, frequency of testing, randomnicity, method of notice to the licensee, number of hours between the provision of notice and the test, standards for specimen collectors, procedures used by specimen collectors, the permissible locations of testing, whether the collection process must be observed by the collector, backup testing requirements when the licensee is on vacation or otherwise unavailable for local testing, requirements for the laboratory that analyzes the specimens, and the required maximum timeframe from the test to the receipt of the result of the test.
#4 Uniform Standard
The following drug testing standards shall apply to each licensee subject to drug testing govern all aspects of testing required to determine abstention from alcohol and drugs for any person whose license is placed on probation or in a diversion program due to substance use:
Licensees shall be randomly drug tested at least 104 times per year for the first year and
at any time as directed by the board. After the first year, licensees, who are practicing,
shall be randomly drug tested at least 50 times per year, and at any time as directed by
the board.
TESTING FREQUENCY SCHEDULE
A board may order a licensee to drug test at anytime. Additionally, each licensee shall be tested RANDOMLY in accordance with the schedule below:
Level
Segments of Probation/Diversion
Minimum Range of Number of Random Tests
I
Year 1
52-104 per year
II*
Year 2+
36-104 per year
*The minimum range of 36-104 tests identified in level II, is for the second year of probation or diversion, and each year thereafter.,up to five (5) years. Thereafter, administration of one (1) time per month if there have been no positive drug tests in the previous five (5) consecutive years of probation or diversion.
Nothing precludes a board from increasing the number of random tests for any reason. Any board who finds or has suspicion that a licensee has committed a violation of a board’s testing program or who has committed a Major Violation, as identified in Uniform Standard 10, may reestablish the testing cycle by placing that licensee at the beginning of level I, in addition to any other disciplinary action that may be pursued.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
EXCEPTIONS TO TESTING FREQUENCY SCHEDULE
I. PREVIOUS TESTING/SOBRIETY In cases where a board has evidence that a licensee has participated in a treatment or monitoring program requiring random testing, prior to being subject to testing by the board, the board may give consideration to that testing in altering the testing frequency schedule so that it is equivalent to this standard.
II. VIOLATION(S) OUTSIDE OF EMPLOYMENT An individual whose license is placed on probation for a single conviction or incident or two convictions or incidents, spanning greater than seven years from each other, where those violations did not occur at work or while on the licensee’s way to work, where alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor, may bypass level I and participate in level II of the testing frequency schedule.
III. NOT EMPLOYED IN HEALTH CARE FIELD A board may reduce testing frequency to a minimum of 12 times per year for any person who is not practicing OR working in any health care field. If a reduced testing frequency schedule is established for this reason, and if a licensee wants to return to practice or work in a health care field, the a licensee shall notify and secure the approval of the licensee’s board. Prior to returning to any healthcare employment, the licensee shall be subject to level I testing frequency for at least 60 days. At such time the person returns to employment (in a health care field), if the licensee has not previously met the level I frequency standard, the licensee shall be subject to completing a full year at level I of the testing frequency schedule, otherwise level II testing shall be in effect.
IV.
TOLLING A board may postpone all testing for any person whose probation or diversion is placed in a tolling status if the overall length of the probationary or diversion period is also tolled. A licensee shall notify the board upon the licensee’s return to California and shall be subject to testing as provided in this standard. If the licensee returns to employment in a health care field, and has not previously met the level I frequency standard, the licensee shall be subject to completing a full year at level I of the testing frequency schedule, otherwise level II testing shall be in effect.
V.
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER NOT DIAGNOSED In cases where no current substance use disorder diagnosis is made, a lesser period of monitoring and toxicology screening may be adopted by the board, but not to be less than 24 times per year.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
OTHER DRUG STANDARDS
Drug testing may be required on any day, including weekends and holidays.
The scheduling of drug tests shall be done on a random basis, preferably by a computer program, so that a licensee can make no reasonable assumption of when he/she will be tested again. Boards should be prepared to report data to support back-to-back testing as well as, numerous different intervals of testing.
Licensees shall be required to make daily contact to determine if drug testing is required.
Licensees shall be drug tested on the date of notification as directed by the board.
Specimen collectors must either be certified by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association or have completed the training required to serve as a collector for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Specimen collectors shall adhere to the current U.S. Department of Transportation Specimen Collection Guidelines.
Testing locations shall comply with the Urine Specimen Collection Guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, regardless of the type of test administered.
Collection of specimens shall be observed.
Prior to vacation or absence, alternative drug testing location(s) must be approved by the board.
Laboratories shall be certified and accredited by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
A collection site must submit a specimen to the laboratory within one (1) business day of receipt. A chain of custody shall be used on all specimens. The laboratory shall process results and provide legally defensible test results within seven (7) days of receipt of the specimen. The appropriate board will be notified of non-negative test results within one (1) business day and will be notified of negative test results within seven (7) business days.
A board may use other testing methods in place of, or to supplement biological fluid testing, if the alternate testing method is appropriate.
PETITIONS FOR REINSTATEMENT
Nothing herein shall limit a board’s authority to reduce or eliminate the standards specified herein pursuant to a petition for reinstatement or reduction of penalty filed pursuant to Government Code section 11522 or statutes applicable to the board that
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contains different provisions for reinstatement or reduction of penalty.
OUTCOMES AND AMENDMENTS
For purposes of measuring outcomes and effectiveness, each board shall collect and report historical and post implementation data as follows:
Historical Data – Two Years Prior to Implementation of Standard
Each board should collect the following historical data (as available), for a period of two years, prior to implementation of this standard, for each person subject to testing for banned substances, who has 1) tested positive for a banned substance, 2) failed to appear or call in, for testing on more than three occasions, 3) failed to pay testing costs, or 4) a person who has given a dilute or invalid specimen.
Post Implementation Data- Three Years
Each board should collect the following data annually, for a period of three years, for every probationer and diversion participant subject to testing for banned substances, following the implementation of this standard.
Data Collection
The data to be collected shall be reported to the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Legislature, upon request, and shall include, but may not be limited to:
Probationer/Diversion Participant ee Unique Identifier License Type Probation/Diversion Effective Date General Range of Testing Frequency by/for Each Probationer/Diversion Participant ee Dates Testing Requested Dates Tested Identify the Entity that Performed Each Test Dates Tested Positive Dates Contractor (if applicable) was informed of Positive Test Dates Board was informed of Positive Test Dates of Questionable Tests (e.g. dilute, high levels) Date Contractor Notified Board of Questionable Test Identify Substances Detected or Questionably Detected Dates Failed to Appear Date Contractor Notified Board of Failed to Appear Dates Failed to Call In for Testing Date Contractor Notified Board of Failed to Call In for Testing Dates Failed to Pay for Testing Date(s) Removed/Suspended from Practice (identify which) Final Outcome and Effective Date (if applicable)
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#5 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Standards governing all aspects of group meeting attendance requirements, including, but not limited to, required qualifications for group meeting facilitators, frequency of required meeting attendance, and methods of documenting and reporting attendance or nonattendance by licensees.
#5 Uniform Standard
If a board requires a licensee to participate in group support meetings, the following shall
apply: When determining the frequency of required group meeting attendance, the board shall give consideration to the following:
the licensee’s history;
the documented length of sobriety/time that has elapsed since substance use;
the recommendation of the clinical evaluator;
the scope and pattern of use;
the licensee’s treatment history; and,
the nature, duration, and severity of substance abuse.
Group Meeting Facilitator Qualifications and Requirements:
1.
The meeting facilitator must have a minimum of three (3) years experience in the treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse, and shall be licensed or certified by the state or other nationally certified organizations.
2.
The meeting facilitator must not have a financial relationship, personal relationship, or business relationship with the licensee within the last five (5) years(insert number) year(s).
3.
The group meeting facilitator shall provide to the board a signed document showing the licensee’s name, the group name, the date and location of the meeting, the licensee’s attendance, and the licensee’s level of participation and progress.
4.
The facilitator shall report any unexcused absence within 24 hours.
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#6 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Standards used in determining whether inpatient, outpatient, or other type of treatment is necessary.
#6 Uniform Standard
In determining whether inpatient, outpatient, or other type of treatment is necessary, the board shall consider the following criteria:
recommendation of the clinical diagnostic evaluation pursuant to Uniform Standard #1;
license type;
licensee’s history;
documented length of sobriety/time that has elapsed since substance abuse;
scope and pattern of substance use;
licensee’s treatment history;
licensee’s medical history and current medical condition;
nature, duration, and severity of substance abuse, and
threat to himself/herself or the public.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
#7 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Worksite monitoring requirements and standards, including, but not limited to, required qualifications of worksite monitors, required methods of monitoring by worksite monitors, and required reporting by worksite monitors.
#7 Uniform Standard
A board may require the use of worksite monitors. If a board determines that a worksite monitor is necessary for a particular licensee, the worksite monitor shall meet the following requirements to be considered for approval by the board.
1.
The worksite monitor shall not have financial, personal, or familial relationship with the licensee, or other relationship that could reasonably be expected to compromise the ability of the monitor to render impartial and unbiased reports to the board. If it is impractical for anyone but the licensee’s employer to serve as the worksite monitor, this requirement may be waived by the board; however, under no circumstances shall a licensee’s worksite monitor be an employee of the licensee.
2.
The worksite monitor’s license scope of practice shall include the scope of practice of the licensee that is being monitored,or be another health care professional if no monitor with like practice is available or, as approved by the board, be a person in a position of authority who is capable of monitoring the licensee at work.
3.
IfTthe worksite monitor is a licensed healthcare professional he or she shall have an active unrestricted license, with no disciplinary action within the last five (5) years.
4.
The worksite monitor shall sign an affirmation that he or she has reviewed the terms and conditions of the licensee’s disciplinary order and/or contract and agrees to monitor the licensee as set forth by the board.
5.
The worksite monitor must adhere to the following required methods of monitoring the licensee:
a) Have face-to-face contact with the licensee in the work environment on a frequent basis as determined by the board, at least once per week.
b) Interview other staff in the office regarding the licensee’s behavior, if applicable.
c) Review the licensee’s work attendance.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
Reporting by the worksite monitor to the board shall be as follows:
1.
Any suspected substance abuse must be verbally reported to the board and the licensee’s employer within one (1) business day of occurrence. If occurrence is not during the board’s normal business hours the verbal report must be within one (1) hour of the next business day. A written report shall be submitted to the board within 48 hours of occurrence.
2.
The worksite monitor shall complete and submit a written report monthly or as
directed by the board. The report shall include:
the licensee’s name;
license number;
worksite monitor’s name and signature;
worksite monitor’s license number;
worksite location(s);
dates licensee had face-to-face contact with monitor;
staff interviewed, if applicable;
attendance report;
any change in behavior and/or personal habits;
any indicators that can lead to suspected substance abuse. The licensee shall complete the required consent forms and sign an agreement with the worksite monitor and the board to allow the board to communicate with the worksite monitor.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
#8 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Procedures to be followed when a licensee tests positive for a banned substance.
#8 Uniform Standard
When a licensee tests positive for a banned substance:
1.
The board shall order the licensee to cease practice;
2.
The board shall contact the licensee and instruct the licensee to leave work; and
3.
The board shall notify the licensee’s employer, if any, and worksite monitor, if any, that the licensee may not work.
Thereafter, the board should determine whether the positive drug test is in fact evidence of prohibited use. If so, proceed to Standard #9. If not, the board shall immediately lift the cease practice order.
In determining whether the positive test is evidence of prohibited use, the board should, as applicable:
1.
Consult the specimen collector and the laboratory;
2.
Communicate with the licensee and/or any physician who is treating the licensee; and
3.
Communicate with any treatment provider, including group facilitator/s.
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#9 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Procedures to be followed when a licensee is confirmed to have ingested a banned substance.
#9 Uniform Standard
When a board confirms that a positive drug test is evidence of use of a prohibited substance, the licensee has committed a major violation, as defined in Uniform Standard #10 and the board shall impose the consequences set forth in Uniform Standard #10.
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#10 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Specific consequences for major and minor violations. In particular, the committee shall consider the use of a “deferred prosecution” stipulation described in Section 1000 of the Penal Code, in which the licensee admits to self-abuse of drugs or alcohol and surrenders his or her license. That agreement is deferred by the agency until or unless licensee commits a major violation, in which case it is revived and license is surrendered.
#10 Uniform Standard Major Violations include, but are not limited to:
1.
Failure to complete a board-ordered program;
2.
Failure to undergo a required clinical diagnostic evaluation;
3.
Multiple minor violations;
4.
Treating patients while under the influence of drugs/alcohol;
5.
Any drug/alcohol related act which would constitute a violation of the practice act or state/federal laws;
6.
Failure to obtain biological testing for substance abuse;
7.
Testing positive and confirmation for substance abuse pursuant to Uniform Standard #9;
8.
Knowingly using, making, altering or possessing any object or product in such a way as to defraud a drug test designed to detect the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Consequences for a major violation include, but are not limited to:
1.
Licensee will be ordered to cease practice. a) the licensee must undergo a new clinical diagnostic evaluation, and b) the licensee must test negative for at least a month of continuous drug testing
before being allowed to go back to work.
2.
Termination of a contract/agreement.
3.
Referral for disciplinary action, such as suspension, revocation, or other action as determined by the board.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
Minor Violations include, but are not limited to:
1.
Untimely receipt of required documentation;
2.
Unexcused non-attendance at group meetings;
3.
Failure to contact a monitor when required;
4.
Any other violations that do not present an immediate threat to the violator or to the public.
Consequences for minor violations include, but are not limited to:
1.
Removal from practice;
2.
Practice limitations;
3.
Required supervision;
4.
Increased documentation;
5.
Issuance of citation and fine or a warning notice;
6.
Required re-evaluation/testing;
7.
Other action as determined by the board.
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#11 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Criteria that a licensee must meet in order to petition for return to practice on a full time basis.
#11 Uniform Standard
“Petition” as used in this standard is an informal request as opposed to a “Petition for Modification” under the Administrative Procedure Act.
The licensee shall meet the following criteria before submitting a request (petition) to return to full time practice:
1.
Demonstrated sustained compliance with current recovery program.
2.
Demonstrated the ability to practice safely as evidenced by current work site reports, evaluations, and any other information relating to the licensee’s substance abuse.
3.
Negative drug screening reports for at least six (6) months, two (2) positive worksite monitor reports, and complete compliance with other terms and conditions of the program.
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#12 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
Criteria that a licensee must meet in order to petition for reinstatement of a full and unrestricted license.
#12 Uniform Standard
“Petition for Reinstatement” as used in this standard is an informal request (petition) as opposed to a “Petition for Reinstatement” under the Administrative Procedure Act.
The licensee must meet the following criteria to request (petition) for a full and unrestricted license.
1.
Demonstrated sustained compliance with the terms of the disciplinary order, if
applicable.
2.
Demonstrated successful completion of recovery program, if required.
3.
Demonstrated a consistent and sustained participation in activities that promote and support their recovery including, but not limited to, ongoing support meetings, therapy, counseling, relapse prevention plan, and community activities.
4.
Demonstrated that he or she is able to practice safely.
5.
Continuous sobriety for three (3) to five (5) year.
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#13 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
If a board uses a private-sector vendor that provides diversion services, (1) standards for immediate reporting by the vendor to the board of any and all noncompliance with process for providers or contractors that provide diversion services, including, but not limited to, specimen collectors, group meeting facilitators, and worksite monitors; (3) standards requiring the vendor to disapprove and discontinue the use of providers or contractors that fail to provide effective or timely diversion services; and (4) standards for a licensee’s termination from the program and referral to enforcement.
#13 Uniform Standard
1.
A vendor must report to the board any major violation, as defined in Uniform Standard #10, within one (1) business day. A vendor must report to the board any minor violation, as defined in Uniform Standard #10, within five (5) business days.
2.
A vendor’s approval process for providers or contractors that provide diversion services, including, but not limited to, specimen collectors, group meeting facilitators, and worksite monitors is as follows:
(a) Specimen Collectors:
a) (1) The provider or subcontractor shall possess all the materials, equipment, and technical expertise necessary in order to test every licensee for which he or she is responsible on any day of the week.
b) (2) The provider or subcontractor shall be able to scientifically test for urine, blood, and hair specimens for the detection of alcohol, illegal, and controlled substances.
c) (3) The provider or subcontractor must provide collection sites that are located in areas throughout California.
d) (4) The provider or subcontractor must have an automated 24-hour toll-free telephone system and/or a secure on-line computer database that allows the participant to check in daily for drug testing.
e) (5) The provider or subcontractor must have or be subcontracted with operating collection sites that are engaged in the business of collecting urine, blood, and hair follicle specimens for the testing of drugs and alcohol within the State of California.
f) (6) The provider or subcontractor must have a secure, HIPAA compliant, website or computer system to allow staff access to drug test results and compliance reporting information that is available 24 hours a day.
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g) (7) The provider or subcontractor shall employ or contract with toxicologists that are licensed physicians and have knowledge of substance abuse disorders and the appropriate medical training to interpret and evaluate laboratory drug test results, medical histories, and any other information relevant to biomedical information.
h) (8) A toxicology screen will not be considered negative if a positive result is obtained while practicing, even if the practitioner holds a valid prescription for the substance.
i) (9) Must undergo training as specified in Uniform Standard #4 (6).
(b) Group Meeting Facilitators:
A group meeting facilitator for any support group meeting:
a) (1) must have a minimum of three (3) years experience in the treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse;
b) (2) must be licensed or certified by the state or other nationally certified
organization;
c) (3) must not have a financial relationship, personal relationship, or business relationship with the licensee in the last five (5) years;
d) (4) shall report any unexcused absence within 24 hours to the board, and,
e) (5) shall provide to the board a signed document showing the licensee’s name, the group name, the date and location of the meeting, the licensee’s attendance, and the licensee’s level of participation and progress.
(c) Work Site Monitors:
1. The worksite monitor must meet the following qualifications:
a) (1) Shall not have financial, personal, or familial relationship with the licensee, or other relationship that could reasonably be expected to compromise the ability of the monitor to render impartial and unbiased reports to the board. If it is impractical for anyone but the licensee’s employer to serve as the worksite monitor, this requirement may be waived by the board; however, under no circumstances shall a licensee’s worksite monitor be an employee of the licensee.
b) (2) The monitor’s licensure scope of practice shall include the scope of practice of the licensee that is being monitored, be another health care professional, if no monitor with like practice is available, or, as approved by the board, be a
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person in a position of authority who is capable of monitoring the licensee at
work.
c) (3) IfTthe worksite monitor is a licensed healthcare professional he or she shall have an active unrestricted license, with no disciplinary action within the last five (5) years.
d) (4) Shall sign an affirmation that he or she has reviewed the terms and conditions of the licensee’s disciplinary order and/or contract and agrees to monitor the licensee as set forth by the board.
2.
The worksite monitor must adhere to the following required methods of monitoring the licensee: a) Have face-to-face contact with the licensee in the work environment on a frequent basis as determined by the board, at least once per week.
b) Interview other staff in the office regarding the licensee’s behavior, if applicable. c) Review the licensee’s work attendance.
3.
Any suspected substance abuse must be verbally reported to the contractor, the board, and the licensee’s employer within one (1) business day of occurrence. If occurrence is not during the board’s normal business hours the verbal report must be within one (1) hour of the next business day. A written report shall be submitted to the board within 48 hours of occurrence.
4.
The worksite monitor shall complete and submit a written report monthly or as directed by the board. The report shall include: the licensee’s name; license number; worksite monitor’s name and signature; worksite monitor’s license number; worksite location(s); dates licensee had face-to-face contact with monitor;
staff interviewed, if applicable;
attendance report;
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any change in behavior and/or personal habits;
any indicators that can lead to suspected substance abuse.
(d) Treatment Providers
1.Treatment facility staff and services must have:
a) (1) Licensure and/or accreditation by appropriate regulatory agencies;
b) (2) Sufficient resources available to adequately evaluate the physical and mental needs of the client, provide for safe detoxification, and manage any medical emergency;
c) (3) Professional staff who are competent and experienced members of the clinical staff;
d) (4) Treatment planning involving a multidisciplinary approach and specific aftercare plans;
e) (5) Means to provide treatment/progress documentation to the provider.
(e) General Vendor Requirements
2. The vendor shall disapprove and discontinue the use of providers or contractors that fail to provide effective or timely diversion services as follows:
a) (1) The vendor is fully responsible for the acts and omissions of its subcontractors and of persons either directly or indirectly employed by any of them. No subcontract shall relieve the vendor of its responsibilities and obligations. All state policies, guidelines, and requirements apply to all subcontractors.
b) (2) If a subcontractor fails to provide effective or timely services as listed above, but not limited to any other subcontracted services, the vendor will terminate services of said contractor within 30 business days of notification of failure to provide adequate services.
c) (3) The vendor shall notify the appropriate board within five (5) business days of termination of said subcontractor.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
#14 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
If a board uses a private-sector vendor that provides diversion services, the extent to which licensee participation in that program shall be kept confidential from the public.
#14 Uniform Standard
The board shall disclose the following information to the public for licensees who are participating in a board monitoring/diversion program regardless of whether the licensee is a self-referral or a board referral. However, the disclosure shall not contain information that the restrictions are a result of the licensee’s participation in a diversion program.
Licensee’s name;
Whether the licensee’s practice is restricted, or the license is on inactive status;
A detailed description of any restriction imposed.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
#15 SENATE BILL 1441 REQUIREMENT
If a board uses a private-sector vendor that provides diversion services, a schedule for external independent audits of the vendor’s performance in adhering to the standards adopted by the committee.
#15 Uniform Standard
1.
If a board uses a private-sector vendor to provide monitoring services for its licensees, an external independent audit must be conducted at least once every three (3) years by a qualified, independent reviewer or review team from outside the department with no real or apparent conflict of interest with the vendor providing the monitoring services. In addition, the reviewer shall not be a part of or under the control of the board. The independent reviewer or review team must consist of individuals who are competent in the professional practice of internal auditing and assessment processes and qualified to perform audits of monitoring programs.
2.
The audit must assess the vendor’s performance in adhering to the uniform standards established by the board. The reviewer must provide a report of their findings to the board by June 30 of each three (3) year cycle. The report shall identify any material inadequacies, deficiencies, irregularities, or other noncompliance with the terms of the vendor’s monitoring services that would interfere with the board’s mandate of public protection.
3.
The board and the department shall respond to the findings in the audit report.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
#16 SENATE BILL 1441 Requirement
Measurable criteria and standards to determine whether each board’s method of dealing with substance-abusing licensees protects patients from harm and is effective in assisting its licensees in recovering from substance abuse in the long term.
#16 Uniform Standard
Each board shall report the following information on a yearly basis to the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Legislature as it relates to licensees with substance abuse problems who are either in a board probation and/or diversion program.
Number of intakes into a diversion program
Number of probationers whose conduct was related to a substance abuse problem
Number of referrals for treatment programs
Number of relapses (break in sobriety)
Number of cease practice orders/license in-activations
Number of suspensions
Number terminated from program for noncompliance
Number of successful completions based on uniform standards
Number of major violations; nature of violation and action taken
Number of licensees who successfully returned to practice
Number of patients harmed while in diversion The above information shall be further broken down for each licensing category, specific substance abuse problem (i.e. cocaine, alcohol, Demerol etc.), whether the licensee is in a diversion program and/or probation program.
If the data indicates that licensees in specific licensing categories or with specific substance abuse problems have either a higher or lower probability of success, that information shall be taken into account when determining the success of a program. It may also be used to determine the risk factor when a board is determining whether a license should be revoked or placed on probation.
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UNIFORM STANDARDS April 2010 2011
The board shall use the following criteria to determine if its program protects patients from harm and is effective in assisting its licensees in recovering from substance abuse in the long term.
At least 100 percent of licensees who either entered a diversion program or whose license was placed on probation as a result of a substance abuse problem successfully completed either the program or the probation, or had their license to practice revoked or surrendered on a timely basis based on noncompliance of those programs.
At least 75 percent of licensees who successfully completed a diversion program or probation did not have any substantiated complaints related to substance abuse for at least five (5) years after completion.
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