Approved 11/10/06
Peer Assistance Committee Policy
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Employee Assistance Professional Association
Colorado Chapter Policy and Process
for Providing Assistance to Members
Background
The membership of the Colorado Chapter of the Employee Assistance Professional Association
(EAPA) recognized the need for a process that would address situations in which a colleague is
experiencing health and other personal issues that, if left untreated, could impact his/her ability to
practice with safety. Members should have a resource available for support and assessment and
treatment referral, if applicable. The Peer Assistance Committee of the Chapter membership was
established to fulfill this need.
Policy
This policy was established in consultation with:
1. The Employee Assistance Certification Commission,
2. Employee Assistance Professional Ethics,
3. State laws on clinical licensure, and
4. American Medical Association “sick doctor statute.”
Peer Assistance Committee
The Peer Assistance Committee (“Committee”) was established with a minimum of three
members for the purpose of providing assistance to the membership in areas of emotional
management, professional boundaries, medical conditions, family and other personal problems,
mental health, and substance abuse.
The Committee should meet on a quarterly basis to carry out its purpose. The President will
appoint the Chairperson of the Committee. Committee Members will:
1. Develop and maintain quality resources for referral;
2. Educate resources on the role of the Committee and policy on impairment;
3. Provide education and other prevention efforts targeted to promote health and well being
(including self-care, fitness for duty evaluation, and prevention and management of
illness);
4. Design and implement a process to address potential or actual impairment resulting from
a variety of conditions, including substance use disorder; and
5. Provide support to member throughout treatment process, if applicable.
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