Section 17-87-804 - Alternative to discipline program - Program coordinator duties - Board review(a) The Arkansas State Board of Nursing shall create an alternative to discipline program which shall: (1) Serve as a diversion program to which the board may refer participants when appropriate in lieu of or in addition to other disciplinary action; and(2) Be a source of referral for participants who, on a strictly voluntary basis, desire to avail themselves of its services.(b) The board may perform the following duties and powers while operating the alternative to discipline program: (1) Approve addiction evaluators and treatment programs available through the alternative to discipline program;(2) Contract with providers of treatment programs;(3) Receive and evaluate reports of suspected impairment, regardless of the source of the report;(4) Intervene in cases of verified impairment;(5) Refer impaired individuals to the program coordinator of the alternative to discipline program or another treatment program, or both;(6) Monitor the treatment and rehabilitation of impaired participants and the post-treatment of impaired participants who are rehabilitated; and(7) Perform other activities deemed necessary to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter.(c)(1) The board shall employ a program coordinator to organize and administer the alternative to discipline program.(2) The program coordinator shall:(A) Review and evaluate individuals who request participation in or are recommended for the alternative to discipline program;(B) Review and designate treatment facilities and services to which participants in the alternative to discipline program may be referred;(C) Receive and review information relating to the participation of participants in the alternative to discipline program;(D) Prepare reports for the board; and(E) Carry out other duties as deemed necessary by the board.(3)(A) The board shall review the activities of the program coordinator.(B) As part of this evaluation, the board may review files of all participants in the alternative to discipline program.(C) The board shall also resolve complaints voiced regarding the alternative to discipline program.Amended by Act 2023, No. 234,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.Added by Act 2017, No. 325,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.