It is the intent of the legislature that the board of osteopathic medicine and surgery seek ways to identify and support the rehabilitation of osteopathic physicians and surgeons where practice or competency may be impaired due to the abuse of drugs or alcohol. The legislature intends that these practitioners be treated so that they can return to or continue to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery in a way which safeguards the public. The legislature specifically intends that the board of osteopathic medicine and surgery establish an alternate program to the traditional administrative proceedings against osteopathic physicians and surgeons.

In lieu of disciplinary action under RCW 18.130.160 and if the board of osteopathic medicine and surgery determines that the unprofessional conduct may be the result of substance abuse, the board may refer the registrant/licensee to a voluntary substance abuse monitoring program approved by the board.