§30-16-12. Impaired chiropractors.

(a) As contained in this section the term impairment is defined as the inability of a licensee to practice chiropractic with reasonable skill and safety by reason of:

(1) Mental illness;

(2) Physical illness, including, but not limited to, physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor or perceptive skills; or

(3) Habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs defined in law as controlled substances, of alcohol or other substances that impair ability.

(b) The board may after a probable cause determination and hearing require a licensee or applicant to submit to a mental or physical examination or a chemical dependency evaluation by physicians designated by the board. The results of the examination or evaluation are admissible at any hearing before the board despite any claim of privilege under contrary rule or statute. Every person who receives a license to practice chiropractic or files an application for a license to practice chiropractic thereby consents to submit to a mental or physical examination or a chemical dependency evaluation and has waived all objections to the admissibility of the results in any hearing before the board. If a licensee or applicant fails to submit to an examination or evaluation when properly directed to do so by the board, the board may enter a final order upon proper notice, hearing and proof of their refusal.

(c) Upon the determination by the board after examination and hearing that a licensee is impaired the board shall take one or more of the following actions:

(1) Direct the licensee to submit to care, counseling or treatment acceptable to the board;

(2) Suspend, limit or restrict the chiropractic license for the duration of the impairment; or

(3) Revoke the chiropractic license.

(d) Any licensee or applicant prohibited from practicing chiropractic under this section, shall at reasonable intervals be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that he or she can assume or begin the practice of chiropractic with reasonable skill and safety.