If someone self-reports an issue with alcohol or substance abuse, what may the board order?

When an individual self-reports an issue with alcohol or substance abuse, the board may order random drug and alcohol screening as a way to monitor the individual's compliance with treatment and recovery efforts. This approach serves multiple purposes: it helps ensure public safety by confirming that the individual is not using substances while practicing, it provides the individual an opportunity to demonstrate accountability, and it can aid in their recovery process by offering a structured environment in which their progress can be tracked.

Random screenings act as an important tool for both the licensing board and the individual. For the board, it is an effective means to assess whether any potential risks are being managed appropriately. For the individual, it can foster a sense of responsibility and encourage ongoing engagement with recovery efforts.

Other options may seem relevant but do not align as closely with standard practices in response to self-reports of substance use issues. Immediate license suspension can be too severe without further context or evidence of impairment. Fines and community service generally apply to disciplinary actions rather than health-related self-disclosure. Mandatory therapy sessions, while beneficial, may not be a direct consequence of self-reporting on their own and are typically part of a broader treatment plan rather than a mandated order from the board without assessment.