Substance Abuse & Ethics

Brendaisha is a physical therapist who becomes concerned about a colleague who previously completed rehabilitation for substance abuse. Over the past several weeks, the colleague has demonstrated increasing tardiness, reduced attention during patient care, and episodes of excessive drowsiness while completing documentation. No direct evidence of substance use has been observed, and no adverse patient events have occurred. Which of the following actions is MOST appropriate?A) Report the colleague to the state licensing board due to suspected relapseB) Delay intervention unless patient safety is clearly compromisedC) Discuss the observed behaviors privately with the colleague and follow organizational reporting policies if concerns continueD) Continue monitoring the situation until substance use can be objectively verifiedText our team the word COACH for a free diagnostic: (727) 732-4573Join the FREE Facebook Group: www.nptegroup.com