The Florida Bar In re Amendment to the Integration Rule

Twenty-five members of the Florida Bar have petitioned this Court for an amendment to article XI of the integration rule. The proposed amendment would provide confidentiality in disciplinary proceedings regarding an attorney’s voluntarily seeking, receiving, or accepting treatment for alcoholism or alcohol abuse, unless waived in writing by the subject attorney. The board of governors opposes the petition.

During oral argument, the board’s representative stated that in February the board had established a bar-funded, nonprofit corporation to provide counseling for attorneys with drinking…