(a)    In this section, “optometrist rehabilitation committee” means a committee that:

(1)    Is defined in subsection (b) of this section; and

(2)    Performs any of the functions listed in subsection (d) of this section.

(b)    For purposes of this section, an optometrist rehabilitation committee is a committee of the Board or a committee of the Maryland Optometric Association that:

(1)    Is recognized by the Board; and

(2)    Includes but is not limited to optometrists.

(c)    A rehabilitation committee of the Board or recognized by the Board may function:

(1)    Solely for the Board; or

(2)    Jointly with a rehabilitation committee representing another board or boards.

(d)    For purposes of this section, an optometrist rehabilitation committee evaluates and provides assistance to any optometrist, and any other individual regulated by the Board, in need of treatment and rehabilitation for alcoholism, drug abuse, chemical dependency, or other physical, emotional, or mental condition.

(e)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the proceedings, records, and files of the optometrist rehabilitation committee are not discoverable and are not admissible in evidence in any civil action arising out of matters that are being or have been reviewed and evaluated by the optometrist rehabilitation committee.

(2)    Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to any record or document that is considered by the optometrist rehabilitation committee and that otherwise would be subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in any arbitration or civil proceeding.

(3)    For purposes of this subsection, civil action does not include a proceeding before the Board or judicial review of a proceeding before the Board.

(f)    A person who acts in good faith and within the scope of jurisdiction of an optometrist rehabilitation committee is not civilly liable for any action as a member of the optometrist rehabilitation committee or for giving information to, participating in, or contributing to the function of the optometrist rehabilitation committee.