Dealing with the impaired supervisor.

As professional impairment issues have gained increasing recognition, a multitude of resources have been established for dealing with them. The most common source of impairment is chemical dependence-especially involving alcohol. The PA working with an impaired supervisor should understand the disease process associated with chemical dependence, come to terms with his or her own personal views on impairment, and seek support from colleagues. Every state has some form of physician impairment mechanism. With increasing availability of support systems, the prospects are good for successful rehabilitation of impaired professionals.