The board recognizes the need to establish a means of proactively providing early recognition and treatment options for optometrists whose competency may be impaired due to substance use disorder. The board intends that such optometrists be treated, and their treatment monitored so that they can return to or continue to practice their profession in a way which safeguards the public. To accomplish this the board shall approve voluntary substance use disorder monitoring programs and shall refer optometrists impaired by substance use disorder to approved programs as an alternative to instituting disciplinary proceedings as defined in RCW 18.130.160.