(1) In lieu of disciplinary action, the veterinarian may accept board referral into a monitoring program.

(a) Before entering the program, the veterinarian shall undergo evaluation(s) by experts approved by the program as a condition of program participation.

(b) The veterinarian shall enter into an agreement with the program that identifies program requirements. The veterinarian shall:

(i) Remain free of all mind-altering substances, including alcohol, except for medications prescribed by an authorized prescriber, as defined in RCW 69.41.030 and 69.50.101, when specified by the monitoring program agreement.

(ii) Submit to initial and random toxicology testing when specified by the monitoring program.

(iii) Sign a waiver allowing the program to release information to the board if the veterinarian does not comply with the program or monitoring agreement.

(iv) Complete continuing care as recommended by the treatment providers.

(v) Ensure that treatment provider(s) send reports to the program at specified intervals. Reports shall include treatment adherence and progress.

(vi) Attend health professional monitoring groups and mutual support groups as recommended by the program.

(vii) Comply with practice conditions and restrictions.

(viii) Comply with other conditions in the agreement.

(ix) Except for (b)(i) through (iii) of this subsection, a program may make an exception to the foregoing requirements of individual agreements.

(c) The veterinarian is responsible for paying the costs of evaluation, treatment, toxicology testing, and monitoring program fees.

(d) The veterinarian may be subject to disciplinary action under RCW 18.130.160 and 18.130.180 if the veterinarian refuses referral to the monitoring program, does not comply with specified practice restrictions or modifications, or does not successfully complete the program.

(2) A veterinarian who is not being investigated or monitored by the board for an impairing health condition and who is not currently the subject of disciplinary action, may voluntarily participate in the monitoring program without referral by the board. Such voluntary participants shall not be subject to disciplinary action under RCW 18.130.160 and 18.130.180 for their health condition, and shall not have their participation made known to the board if they meet the requirements of the program:

(a) Before entering the program, the veterinarian shall undergo evaluation(s) by experts approved by the program as a condition of program participation.

(b) The veterinarian shall enter into an agreement with the program that identifies program requirements. The veterinarian shall:

(i) Remain free of all mind-altering substances, including alcohol, except for medications prescribed by an authorized prescriber, as defined in RCW 69.41.030 and 69.50.101, when specified by the monitoring program agreement.

(ii) Complete continuing care as recommended by the treatment providers.

(iii) Ensure the treatment provider(s) send reports to the program at specified intervals. Reports shall include treatment adherence and progress.

(iv) Submit to initial and random toxicology testing when specified by the program.

(v) Attend health professional monitoring groups and mutual support groups as recommended by the program.

(vi) Comply with practice conditions and restrictions.

(vii) Sign a waiver allowing the program to release information to the board if the veterinarian does not comply with the agreement.

(viii) Comply with other conditions in the agreement.

(ix) Except for (b)(ii) through (iii) of this subsection, a program may make an exception to the foregoing requirements of individual agreements.

(c) The veterinarian is responsible for paying the costs of evaluation, treatment, toxicology testing, and monitoring program fees.

(3) Monitoring program records shall be confidential as provided by law.