may also request entry into a diversion program by contacting the dental hygiene board. The dental hygiene board may refer the licensee requesting participation in the program to a diversion evaluation committee for evaluation of eligibility. Prior to authorizing a licensee to enter into the diversion program, the dental hygiene board may require the licensee, while under current investigation for any violations of this article or other violations, to execute a statement of understanding that states that the licensee understands that the licensee’s violations of this article or other statutes, that would otherwise be the basis for discipline, may still be investigated and be the subject of disciplinary action.

or dangerous drugs or alcohol under Section 1951, or the illegal possession, prescription, or nonviolent procurement of any controlled substance or dangerous drugs for self-administration that does not involve actual, direct harm to the public, the dental hygiene board shall close the investigation without further action if the licensee is accepted into the dental hygiene board’s diversion program and successfully completes the requirements of the program. If the licensee withdraws or is terminated from the program by a diversion evaluation committee, the investigation shall be reopened and disciplinary action imposed, if warranted, as determined by the dental hygiene board.

disciplinary action or continuing to take disciplinary action against, any licensee for any unprofessional conduct committed before, during, or after participation in the diversion program.

the diversion program. A licensee who has been under investigation by the dental hygiene board and has been terminated from the diversion program by a diversion evaluation committee shall be reported by the diversion evaluation committee to the dental hygiene board.