SECTION 5.159. Substance Abuse

(a) If in the course of a disciplinary proceeding, it is found by the Board that a Registered Interior Designer's abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance, as defined by the Texas Controlled Substances Act, Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, contributed to a violation of the Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Board, the Board may condition its disposition of the disciplinary matter on the Registered Interior Designer's completion of a rehabilitation program approved by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse that may include rehabilitation at a facility also approved by the Commission.

(b) A Registered Interior Designer's abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance that results in the impairment of the Registered Interior Designer's professional skill so as to cause a direct threat to the property, safety, health, or welfare of the public may be deemed "Gross Incompetency" and may be grounds for the indefinite suspension of a Registered Interior Designer's certificate of registration until such time as he or she is able to demonstrate to the Board's satisfaction that the reasons for suspension no longer exist and that the termination of the suspension would not endanger the public.

(c) In order to determine whether abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance contributed to a violation or has resulted in "gross incompetency," the Board may order an examination by one or more health care providers trained in the diagnosis or treatment of substance abuse.

Source Note: The provisions of this §5.159 adopted to be effective March 1, 2001, 26 TexReg 1726; amended to be effective June 13, 2010, 35 TexReg 4709