32-1452.01. Mental, behavioral and physical health evaluation and treatment; confidential program; private contract; immunity

A. The board may establish a confidential program for the evaluation, treatment and monitoring of persons who are licensed pursuant to this chapter and chapter 25 of this title and who have medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health disorders that may impact their ability to safely practice medicine or perform health care tasks. The program shall include education, intervention, therapeutic treatment and posttreatment monitoring and support.

B. A licensee who has a medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health disorder described in subsection A of this section may agree to enter into a consent agreement for participation in a program established pursuant to this section.

C. The board may contract with other organizations to operate a program established pursuant to this section. A contract with a private organization must include the following requirements:

1. Periodic reports to the board regarding treatment program activity.

2. Release to the board on demand of all treatment records.

3. Immediate reporting to the Arizona medical board of the name of a licensee who the treating organization believes is incapable of safely practicing medicine or performing health care tasks. If the licensee is a physician assistant, the Arizona medical board shall immediately report this information to the Arizona regulatory board of physician assistants.

D. An evaluator, teacher, supervisor or volunteer in a program established pursuant to this section who acts in good faith within the scope of that program is not subject to civil liability, including malpractice liability, for the actions of a licensee who is attending the program pursuant to board action.