Rule 16.1 - Purpose; scope(a) The purpose of the Attorneys and Judges Assistance Program ("AAP") is to provide immediate and continuing assistance to attorneys who practice law in the State of Hawai'i, judges of the courts of the State of Hawai'i, and law students of the University of Hawai'i at the Richardson School of Law (law students) who suffer from problems, disability or impairment which affect their professional performance for any reason ("impairment"), including but not limited to excessive use of alcohol or drugs ("substance abuse"), physical or mental illness, or other infirmity. Professional performance is affected when an attorney, judge, or law student is incapable of devoting the time and attention to, and providing the quality of service in, his or her law practice, judicial duties, or law studies which is necessary to protect the interest of a client, litigant, or law school career.(b) The AAP shall consist of at least the following categories of programs. (1) Voluntary program. A voluntary program addressing "self-referrals" entering treatment without the formal prior intervention of the AAP.(2) Intervention program. A program primarily addressing attorneys, judges, and law students who are not "self-referrals" and who have not yet been the subject of a complaint that warrants a disciplinary petition, but whose impairment affects their professional performance and may put them at risk of disciplinary action if the impairment continues.(c) AAP shall not provide treatment to impaired attorneys, judges, and law students but shall instead provide education and guidance concerning substance abuse, refer impaired attorneys, judges, and law students to appropriate substance abuse and/or mental health treatment providers, and provide emotional support to impaired attorneys, judges, and law students.Added effective 7/7/1989; amended December 12, 2006, effective 1/1/2007.