What Is Impairment?

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"Impairment means the inability or immediately impending inability of a health professional to practice his or her health profession in a manner that conforms to the minimum standards of acceptable and prevailing practice for that health profession due to the health professional's substance abuse, chemical dependency, or mental illness or the health professional's use of drugs or alcohol that does not constitute substance abuse or chemical dependency". (MCL 333.l6l06a)

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The following are typical symptoms which are exhibited by someone who may be impaired:

  • Changes in Work Habits - Misses work or frequently is tardy because of illness or oversleeping; doesn't keep scheduled appointments; submits reports or assignments late; has an unacceptable error rate.
  • Emotions - Has become more irritable, defensive, jealous, easily angered, depressed, or moody and these behaviors affect work and relationships at work; more withdrawn socially or professionally.
  • Personal care - Personal hygiene is deteriorating.
  • Observations - Smells of alcohol or appears to need drugs or alcohol to "jumpstart" their day; is observed taking drugs or exhibits inappropriate behavior with patients.
  • Defensive behaviors - Becomes angry when someone else mentions their drinking, use of drugs or emotional instability; frequently expresses guilt about use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Behavioral consequences - Continues to use drugs or alcohol or exhibit inappropriate behavior in spite of continuing negative personal, professional, family or financial consequences.

© 2006 - 2008 Michigan Department of Community Health - Health Professional Recovery Program