The nursing care quality assurance commission (commission) recognizes the need to establish a means of providing early recognition and treatment options for licensed practical nurses or registered nurses whose competency may be impaired due to the abuse of drugs or alcohol. The commission intends that such nurses be treated and their treatment monitored so that they can return to or continue to practice their profession in a manner, that safeguards the public. The Washington health professional services (WHPS) program is the commission's approved substance abuse monitoring program under RCW 18.130.175. The commission may refer licensed practical nurses or registered nurses to WHPS as either an alternative to or in connection with disciplinary actions under RCW 18.130.160.