What kind of impairments must be reported to the Board?

The correct choice indicates that drug or alcohol abuse within the last five years must be reported to the Board. This is significant because substance abuse can critically impair a medical professional's ability to perform their duties safely and effectively. It directly impacts patient care and safety, making it a matter of public concern.

Reporting such impairments is not only a regulatory requirement but also a measure aimed at maintaining the standards of practice within the medical field. Authorities recognize that addiction or substance misuse can lead to negligence or malpractice, therefore, the timely reporting helps in initiating interventions which may include monitoring, treatment programs, or even disciplinary actions to protect the public health.

The other options involve situations that may not necessarily pose the same level of risk to public safety or the quality of care delivered by an MRT. For example, while medical surgeries or hospitalizations can affect a professional's capacity to work, they may not indicate a chronic or ongoing impairment, unlike substance abuse. Reporting criteria focus specifically on factors that consistently influence a practitioner's competency to ensure the highest standards in patient care are upheld.