Are you worried about your job as a therapist? Are you concerned that a situation could lead to the loss of your job? There are many reasons why this could happen, and understanding your rights is critical. The following are some examples of punishable conduct for Arizona therapists. However, even if your concern is not listed here, you should have legal support by your side.
At Stewart Law Group, we provide our clients with the information they need to know what they are facing. We also fight to provide professional license defense services, helping you to protect your license. We encourage you – in any situation – to contact us for a free consultation with an Arizona physical therapists license defense attorney.
When Can a License Be Revoked?
When it comes to revocation of your Arizona psychologist license, this can happen for many reasons. Typically, any type of unprofessional conduct can lead to this type of loss of license. Some examples of this include:
- Substance abuse
- Mental health problems
- Criminal convictions
When revocation occurs, this will mean that the license will be removed for a period of at least five years. In order to obtain your license after this, you must prove that the underlying problem has been rectified in some way.
There are numerous types of behaviors that can lead to the potential renovation, suspension, or other losses of licensure in the state of Arizona. Some examples of behavior that may lead to this include:
- Crossing personal and professional boundaries in some way creates a dual relationship with the individual
- Engaging in a sexual relationship with the patient
- Making sexual advances toward the patient
- Involvement in a personal or professional venture or business
- Use of services that are not considered therapy
- Providing care that is experimental, harmful, or in some other way dangerous for the patient
- Abandoning the individual suddenly without providing notice and help in finding a new therapist
- Providing or trying to provide services that they are not qualified or properly trained to provide
- Discriminatory statements or actions, including those related to race, sexual orientation, gender, disability, sexism, or otherwise
The Board will review and investigate the claim in any of these cases. Ultimately, if a person is found to be at fault for committing any of these types of claims, the Board will take action that it deems appropriate for the incident.
What About Voluntary Surrender?
In situations like this, voluntary surrender may be something for the therapist to consider. This is an instance in which the psychologist voluntarily gives up their license to practice. In doing so, likely due to one of the types of punishable conduct listed above, the Board may be willing to reduce the length of the license revocation, usually to between two and three years instead of five. After that time, the individual can reapply for their license, and though it is not guaranteed, it may be possible to get back to work sooner.
When Will a License Face Probation?
There are some situations where a therapist may face probation for their license. This means that the Board will allow the individual to continue to practice, but to do so, they must complete additional steps. This may include:
- Drug testing
- Work supervision for a period of time
- Continuing education in specific areas
- Counseling
Probation rules like this can remain in place for some time. The Board will place a limit on it or may instead keep it in place indefinitely.
How to Handle a Complaint and Investigation
If the Arizona Psychological Board receives a complaint or after a self-report occurs, the Board will begin a thorough investigation to determine what occurred. This can take some time, but as a therapist, it can be very unnerving for you. We encourage you to participate in all investigations as directed. This usually includes providing any evidence requested, such as patient medical records, criminal records, or employment files that your employer may have.
Interviews will be conducted by the Psychology Board investigator. This could include interviews with you, the medical director, other workers, or potential witnesses in the situation.
When Should You Hire a Professional License Attorney to Guide You?
In a litigious society, it is very difficult to face accusations that you know are not accurate or to not be sure how your side of the story will be heard. Hiring a professional license defense attorney is critical. The sooner you do so, the better prepared you are to handle the case properly and to get the type of support you need.
If you are accused of any of the following types of complaints, we encourage you to hire an attorney to defend you against the worst types of punishments you could face:
- Professional misconduct
- Substandard quality of care
- Substance abuse
- Boundary violations
- Sexual misconduct
- Inadequate maintenance of patient records
- Over or under-prescribing of medications or care
- Criminal arrests, charges, and convictions
- Failure to adhere to all reporting requirements
Allow our team to begin working with you to better understand what you are facing and how this could impact your career in the short- and long-term. Even if you are confident nothing will come of your case, it can be very helpful to learn what a defense attorney can do to help you. Let our team go to work for you.
Set Up a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Case with Us Now
These are just some examples of punishable conduct for Arizona therapists. There are many situations that could be outside of these areas. If, for any reason, you are being questioned or disciplined by the Board, you have the right to defend yourself, and we have the tools and resources to help you.
Contact Stewart Law Group today to set up a free consultation. There is no harm in speaking to our attorneys about what your legal options are and finding out if you need a defense attorney for your professional license. Our Arizona professional license defense attorney can answer all of your questions for you and help you prepare for your future.
