Allegations Which Can Lead to Discipline
Generally, a board or agency can only impose license discipline against you if there is a substantial relationship between the alleged conduct and your fitness to practice. Although licensing agencies most often impose discipline due to conduct that occurs during professional practice, that’s not a requirement. Because boards impose discipline to protect the public, they may take action for conduct that occurs outside your professional practice. Allegations which can lead to discipline against your professional license include:
- Driving under the influence
- Crimes or acts of dishonesty
- Crimes or acts involving substance abuse and/or controlled substances
- Crimes or acts of domestic violence
- Crimes deemed substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the profession
- Crimes specified by statute to result in license suspension or revocation
- Failure to disclose convictions or truthfully answer questions on an application for a license or license renewal
- Use of alcohol in a manner or to an extent considered dangerous or injurious to self or others
- Sexual misconduct
- Gross negligence, incompetence, misrepresentation, or fraud
- Unlicensed practice of the profession
Along with criminal convictions, unprofessional conduct is one of the most common causes for discipline against a professional license holder. It is common for a professional licensing agency to allege that certain acts and omissions, including conduct underlying the above-listed allegations, constitutes unprofessional conduct. Unprofessional conduct is often defined by statutes and regulations, and may include a conviction for crimes that are substantially related to your practice.
More information:
Impact of arrests and convictions in criminal cases
Convictions that have a substantial relationship
Mental health and chemical dependency issues
Petitions for modifications, termination of probation, or reinstatement