What action does the Board take when there is reasonable cause to suspect mental illness?

When there is reasonable cause to suspect mental illness in a practitioner, the Board orders examination by one or more psychiatrists. This action is essential to ensure that a qualified mental health professional conducts a thorough evaluation to assess the practitioner's mental fitness to practice. The involvement of psychiatrists helps determine the level of impairment, if any, and provides a basis for any further recommendations regarding the practitioner's ability to safely practice chiropractic.

The rationale behind this procedure is grounded in the need to prioritize both the safety of the patients and the well-being of the practitioner. By utilizing specialists in mental health, the Board taps into the necessary expertise to make informed decisions regarding the practitioner's fitness to continue their professional duties.

Other options such as conducting an in-house review or providing counseling resources may not sufficiently address the situation, as they lack the specialized assessment that licensed psychiatrists can provide. Likewise, suspending a practitioner immediately might not be warranted without a proper mental health examination to substantiate the concerns. Thus, the choice to rely on psychiatric evaluation underscores the gravity of mental health issues and the seriousness with which the Board addresses them.