(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.
