When should a certificate holder report an incident of impairment affecting their practice?

A certificate holder is obligated to report an incident of impairment that affects their practice immediately. This requirement is rooted in the ethical and legal responsibilities that respiratory care practitioners have towards their patients and the public. Immediate reporting helps ensure the safety and well-being of patients, as any impairment could directly impact the quality of care provided.

Timely reporting allows for prompt interventions, which may include support for the impaired practitioner and measures to safeguard patient care. Delaying the report until a later time, such as before a Board meeting, at the end of the month, or only if it escalates into an issue, is not sufficient. These scenarios do not take into account the immediate risks posed to patient safety and the professional integrity of the healthcare practice. Prompt action facilitates proper assessment and potential remediation, which is critical in the healthcare environment where patient vulnerabilities are present.