LAC 46:LXXXV.905. Reporting Instances of Impairment

A. If a person knows or suspects that an individual is impaired by chemical dependency on alcohol or drugs or by mental illness, the person may report the individual's name and any relevant information to an approved peer assistance program. B. An approved peer assistance program shall report to the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine in writing the name of a veterinarian or paraprofessional that the program knows or suspects to be impaired and any relevant information concerning that veterinarian or paraprofessional. C. An approved peer assistance program that receives a report of referral under this Section may intervene to assist the impaired veterinarian or paraprofessional to obtain and complete successfully a course of treatment and rehabilitation. D. If the Board of Veterinary Medicine receives an initial complaint relating to an impaired veterinarian or paraprofessional, the board: 1. may refer the veterinarian or paraprofessional to an approved peer assistance program; or 2. may require the veterinarian or paraprofessional to participate in or complete successfully a course of treatment or rehabilitation; 3. shall maintain separate records on all inquiries and referrals in connection with the peer assistance program in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.B of the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act.