What Discipline can a Professional License Board Impose?
Professional licensing boards in North Carolina have the authority to impose a range of disciplinary actions or punishments upon professionals who violate ethical standards, regulations, or laws governing their respective professions. These punishments can vary depending on the severity of the violation and may include:
- Censure or Reprimand: This is a formal statement of disapproval issued by the licensing board, typically for less severe violations.
- Fines: Monetary penalties may be imposed on the professional as a form of punishment for their actions.
- Probation: The professional may be placed on probation for a specified period, during which they must comply with certain conditions or restrictions.
- Suspension: The professional’s license may be suspended for a certain period, during which they are not allowed to practice their profession.
- Revocation: In serious cases, the licensing board may revoke the professional’s license, effectively prohibiting them from practicing their profession.
- Additional Education or Training: The board may require the professional to complete additional education or training courses as a condition for maintaining or reinstating their license.
- Community Service: In some cases, professionals may be required to perform community service as part of their disciplinary action.
- Restitution: If the violation resulted in harm to clients or patients, the professional may be required to provide restitution or compensation.
- Monitoring or Supervision: The board may require the professional to be monitored or supervised in their practice for a certain period.
Some punishments imposed by a licensing board in a disciplinary action are public, and some are non-public. Public discipline means that it will be posted on the licensing board website and available for the public to view. Non-public discipline, also known as private discipline, will not be visible to the public.
It’s important to note that the specific disciplinary actions available to a licensing board, as well as the procedures for imposing such actions, can vary depending on the laws and regulations governing that particular profession and jurisdiction. The authority to discipline is different for the North Carolina Medical Board, the North Carolina Board of Nursing, and the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. The authority to discipline is granted by North Carolina statute or administrative code.
Each disciplinary action by a professional or occupational licensing board requires a unique strategy. A licensee should consult with an attorney as soon as a notice of violation is received.
