Section 7.01. Authority and intent.

 

(1)  The rules in this chapter are adopted pursuant to authority in ss. 15.08 (5) (b) , 51.30 , 146.82 , 227.11 and 440.03 , Stats.

(2)  The intent of the department in adopting rules in this chapter is to protect the public from credential holders who are impaired by reason of their abuse of alcohol or other drugs by promoting early identification of chemically dependent professionals and encouraging rehabilitation. This goal will be advanced by providing an option that may be used in conjunction with the formal disciplinary process for qualified credential holders committed to their own recovery. This procedure is intended to apply when allegations are made that a credential holder has practiced a profession while impaired by alcohol or other drugs or whose ability to practice is impaired by alcohol or other drugs or when a credential holder contacts the department and requests to participate in the procedure. It may be used in conjunction with the formal disciplinary process in situations where allegations exist that a credential holder has committed misconduct, negligence or violations of law, other than practice while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. The procedure may then be utilized to promote early identification of chemically dependent professionals and encourage their rehabilitation. Finally, the department's procedure does not seek to diminish the prosecution of serious violations but rather it attempts to address the problem of alcohol and other drug abuse within the enforcement jurisdiction of the department.

(3)  In administering this program, the department intends to encourage board members to share professional expertise so that all boards in the department have access to a range of professional expertise to handle problems involving impaired professionals.