(1) The commission shall enter into a contract with the entity to implement an impaired physician program. The commission may enter into a contract with the entity for up to six years in length. The impaired physician program may include any or all of the following:

     (a) Entering into relationships supportive of the impaired physician program with professionals who provide either evaluation or treatment services, or both;

     (b) Receiving and assessing reports of suspected impairment from any source;

     (c) Intervening in cases of verified impairment, or in cases where there is reasonable cause to suspect impairment;

     (d) Upon reasonable cause, referring suspected or verified impaired physicians for evaluation or treatment;

     (e) Monitoring the treatment and rehabilitation of impaired physicians including those ordered by the commission;

     (f) Providing monitoring and continuing treatment and rehabilitative support of physicians;

     (g) Performing such other activities as agreed upon by the commission and the entity; and

     (h) Providing prevention and education services.

     (2) A contract entered into under subsection (1) of this section shall be financed by a surcharge of fifty dollars per year on each license renewal or issuance of a new license to be collected by the department of health from every physician and surgeon licensed under this chapter in addition to other license fees. These moneys shall be placed in the impaired physician account to be used solely for the implementation of the impaired physician program.

     (3) All funds in the impaired physician account shall be paid to the contract entity within sixty days of deposit.

[2009 c 98 § 1; 2001 c 109 § 1; 1998 c 132 § 4; 1997 c 79 § 2; 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 330; 1991 c 3 § 169; 1989 c 119 § 2; 1987 c 416 § 2. Formerly RCW 18.72.306.]

NOTES:

     Finding -- Intent -- Severability -- 1998 c 132: See notes following RCW 18.71.0195.

     Effective date -- 1997 c 79: See note following RCW 18.71.401.

     Severability -- Headings and captions not law -- Effective date -- 1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.

     Effective date -- 1987 c 416: See note following RCW 18.72.301.