21 NCAC 16S .0203          INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL

(a)  Following an investigation, if an impairment is determined to exist and confirmed, an intervention shall be conducted using specialized techniques designed to assist the dentist or dental hygienist in acknowledging responsibility for dealing with the impairment. The dentist or dental hygienist shall be referred to an appropriate treatment source.

(b)  Following an investigation, intervention, treatment, or upon receipt of a complaint or other information, a peer review organization participating in the North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals shall report to the Board detailed information about any dentist or dental hygienist licensed by the Board, if it is determined that:

(1)           the dentist or dental hygienist constitutes an imminent danger to the public or himself or herself;

(2)           the dentist or dental hygienist refuses to cooperate with the program, refuses to submit to treatment, or is still impaired after treatment and exhibits professional incompetence; or

(3)           it reasonably appears that there are other grounds for disciplinary action.

(c)  Program members may consult with medical professionals and treatment sources as necessary in carrying out the Program's directives.

(d)  Interventions shall be arranged and conducted as expeditiously as possible. When interventions are conducted as a direct result of a Board‑initiated referral, a Board representative may be present.

(e)  Treatment sources shall be evaluated and determined applicable before an individual is referred for treatment, and any treatment contracts or aftercare agreements shall be documented and recorded by the Program.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90‑48; 90‑48.2; 90-48.3;

Eff. April 1, 1994;

Temporary Amendment Eff. August 20, 1999;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2001;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.