(1) The psychologist shall not undertake or continue a professional relationship with a client when the psychologist is, or could reasonably be expected by the Board to be, impaired due to mental, emotional, physiological, pharmacological, or substance abuse conditions. If such a condition develops after a professional relationship has been initiated, the psychologist shall terminate the relationship in an appropriate manner, shall notify the patient or client in writing of the termination, and shall assist the patient or client in obtaining services from another professional.
(2)
Reporting Procedures and Investigation. The Board provides the following mechanism for the identification, intervention, and referral for treatment of a licensed psychologist or applicant who may be identified as impaired:
(a) A written statement shall be submitted to the Board. The statement should include a description of the incidents which led to the belief that the said licensee or applicant may be impaired. The individual making the report/complaint does not need to have proof of the impairment, but must state the facts which form the basis for their belief that the individual is impaired.
(b) If, after investigation of the complaint, the Board has reasonable grounds to believe that the individual may be impaired, the Board may do any or all of the following:
1. The Board may require a licensee or applicant to submit to a mental, physical, or mental and physical examination by an appropriate licensed practitioner designated by the Board.
2. The Board may require a licensee or applicant to produce or authorize the Board to obtain, any and all records relating to the alleged incapacitating mental and/or physical condition, including that individual's personal psychiatric and psychological records.
3. The Board may refer said licensee or applicant to an Impaired Colleague Assistance Program to establish a diagnosis, a plan of treatment, and to determine a prognosis.
(c) If sufficient evidence supports the diagnosis of impairment, the Board will inform the licensee or applicant of its belief that the licensee or applicant suffers from an impairment which may effect his or her care of clients and/or the ability to provide appropriate psychological services. Depending upon the severity of the problem and the prognosis, the Board may require the licensee or applicant to undertake a rehabilitation program recommended and monitored by a Colleague Assistance Program approved by the Board, and may impose appropriate restrictions on the licensee's or applicant's practice.
(d) If, at any point during the process of evaluation or rehabilitation, the licensee or applicant refuses/fails to comply with this procedure, such conduct may constitute the basis for the imposition of disciplinary sanctions.
O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-39-5, 43-39-12, 43-39-13.
