The board may refuse to issue a license or an authorization to work as a “respiratory care practitioner applicant” whenever it appears that the applicant may be unable to practice his or her profession safely due to mental illness or chemical dependency. The procedures set forth in Article 12.5 (commencing with Section 820) of Chapter 1 shall apply to any denial of a license or authorization pursuant to this section.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1274, Sec. 23.5. Effective January 1, 1995.)