When you suspect a colleague has impairment, which action is a prudent first step?

• A. Document observations and preserve confidentiality.
• B. Confront the colleague in front of clients.
• C. Ignore the concern to avoid conflict.
• D. Refer the colleague to a treatment program without documentation.

Answer: (A)

When you suspect impairment, the first prudent step is to document what you’ve observed and keep those details confidential. Gather objective notes—dates, times, specific behaviors, and how those behaviors affect work—so you have a clear, factual record rather than impressions. This documentation supports any later action and protects both safety and privacy, since only those who need to know should see the information. Directly confronting the colleague in front of clients tends to escalate the situation and can violate professional or organizational policies. Ignoring the concern is unsafe, and referring someone to a treatment program without proper assessment and documented steps bypasses the proper channels. By starting with careful documentation and routing the issue through the appropriate supervisor or employee assistance program, you lay the groundwork for a fair, safe, and compliant response.