As used in this chapter of the Administrative Code:

(A) "Impairment" means impairment of ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care because of habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances that impair ability to practice. Impairment includes inability to practice in accordance with such standards, and inability to practice in accordance with such standards without appropriate treatment, monitoring or supervision.

(B) "Relapse" means any use of, or obtaining for the purpose of using, alcohol or a drug or substance that may impair ability to practice, except pursuant to the directions of a treating physician who has knowledge of the patient's history and the disease of addiction, or pursuant to the direction of a physician in a medical emergency. An instance of use that occurs during detoxification treatment or inpatient or residential treatment before a practitioner's disease of addiction has been brought into remission does not constitute a relapse.

(C) "Approved treatment provider" means a treatment provider approved pursuant to section 4731.25 of the Revised Code and this chapter of the Administrative Code.

(D) "The board" means the state medical board of Ohio.

(E) "Sobriety" means abstinence from alcohol, and from drugs or substances that may impair ability to practice, except pursuant to the directions of a treating physician who has knowledge of the patient's history and the disease of addiction, or pursuant to the direction of a physician in a medical emergency.

Effective:  November 30, 2002