It is the intent of the Legislature that the Osteopathic Medical Board of California seek ways and means to identify and rehabilitate osteopathic physicians and surgeons whose competency may be impaired due to abuse of dangerous drugs and alcohol, so that osteopathic physicians and surgeons so afflicted may be treated and returned to the practice of medicine in a manner which will not endanger the public health and safety. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the Osteopathic Medical Board of California shall implement this legislation by establishing a diversion program as a voluntary alternative approach to traditional disciplinary actions.

(Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 359, Sec. 12.)