For purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Optometry.
(2) IMPAIRED or IMPAIRMENT. The inability of an optometrist to practice optometry with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness, inebriation, excessive use of drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals, or other substances or as a result of any physical or mental condition.
(3) IMPAIRED DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY TREATMENT PROGRAM. The Alabama Board of Optometry approved or sponsored program for the detection, intervention, and monitoring of impaired providers.
(4) PROFESSIONAL INCOMPETENCE. The inability or failure of an optometrist to practice his or her profession with reasonable skill and safety; however, impairment in and of itself shall not give rise to a presumption of professional incompetence.
(5) TREATMENT PROGRAM. A plan of care and rehabilitation services provided by those organizations and persons authorized to provide such services for impaired providers taking part in the programs provided under this article.
Last modified: May 3, 2021