Professional Impairment
Professional Impairment
- Wilma Peebles-WilkinsWilma Peebles-WilkinsBoston University, Emerita
Summary
Practitioners who were presumed to be competent may develop difficulties that interfere with job performance. Such professionals are considered impaired and may suffer from compassion fatigue, substance abuse, mental disorders, and other forms of distress associated with daily living. Practicing while impaired is unethical and can potentially be harmful to clients. Colleague Assistance Programs from professional associations or diversion systems and legal sanctions imposed by state regulatory boards are forms of intervention strategies that are employed. Self-care strategies and consciousness-raising among professionals are the best forms of prevention.
Keywords
Subjects
- Addictions and Substance Use
- Ethics and Values
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Social Work Profession
Updated in this version
Bibliography updated to reflect recent research, and additional non-substantive textual revisions made throughout article.
