HB265 Alabama 2021 Session

Under existing law, there is no addiction recovery program or rehabilitation program designed specifically for licensed psychologists and licensed psychological technicians who may be impaired by reason of illness, excessive use of drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals, or other substances, or as a result of any physical or mental condition.

This bill would establish the Alabama Psychology Professionals Wellness Committee, to be administered by the Board of Examiners in Psychology, to identify and intervene in instances of impairment of licensed psychology professionals caused by reason of illness, inebriation, substance dependence, excessive use of drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals, or other substances, or as a result of any physical or mental condition.

This bill would authorize the board to contract with a nonprofit organization, health professional, or professional association to assist the committee in carrying out its duties.

This bill would also provide for the appointment and duties of the committee members and specify reporting procedures.

Relating to licensed psychology professionals; to add new Section 34-26-4 to the Code of Alabama 1975; to establish the Alabama Psychology Professionals Wellness Committee, to be administered by the Board of Examiners in Psychology, to identify and intervene in instances of impairment of licensed psychology professionals caused by reason of illness, inebriation, substance dependence, excessive use of drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals, or other substances, or as a result of any physical or mental condition; to authorize the board to contract with a nonprofit organization, health professional, or professional association to assist the committee in carrying out its duties; and to provide for the appointment and duties of the committee members and specify reporting procedures.