Abstract:
The generally used way of defining impairment when
referring to medical practitioners is the inability to practice
medicine with reasonable skill and safety for patients. This
may be due to progressive physical or mental illness of the
practitioner, loss of motor skills, deterioration through ageing
or excessive use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, be it high
schedule medication or illicit drugs (AMA 2011, Dhai 2006). It
is important to note that the entire projection of the statement
is towards the patient, care of the patient and safety aspects of
the patients. A practitioner who may be impaired would
internalise the dilemma but the reality is that the interest of the
patient is paramount and that dictates the dealings with the
practitioner.
