As a licensed professional, your credentials reflect not just your training and skill, but also your judgment, ethics, and trustworthiness. That’s why licensing boards don’t only investigate workplace conduct. They also pay close attention to any off-duty behavior that suggests you might pose a risk to clients, patients, or the public.
While many professionals are careful to follow the rules in their clinical or business environments, they may not realize that events in their personal lives can still lead to complaints, investigations, or even disciplinary action. Here is what you should know about personal situations that can cause friction with your occupational licensing board — and when to involve an attorney.
Divorces, custody battles, and domestic disagreements are deeply personal, but when they spill into the legal system, they may become a concern for your licensing board.
Allegations of domestic violence, child neglect, or abuse (especially if they result in protective orders or criminal charges) can raise questions about your judgment, stability, or fitness to practice.
Even when no charges are filed, the existence of court proceedings or public records can lead to scrutiny. If your board receives a complaint from a partner, spouse, or family member, it may trigger an investigation.
Personal financial hardship may seem unrelated to your professional life, but professional licensing boards may take a different view. In fields that require trust and responsibility, such as healthcare, law, finance, or real estate, serious financial issues can be viewed as a sign of poor decision-making or risk of unethical conduct.
Some boards also consider certain financial matters, like tax evasion, fraud allegations, or unpaid child support grounds for discipline. Additionally, in some professions, a bankruptcy filing may need to be disclosed and explained.
For some professionals, online conduct can invite scrutiny from licensing boards. Posts and photos involving illegal drugs, excessive intoxication, offensive language, discriminatory remarks, or rants about clients or coworkers can all be cited as unprofessional conduct.
Even though your intended online audience may be friends and family, licensing boards have wide discretion to determine what kind of behavior violates ethical expectations.
In certain professions, romantic or sexual involvement with a client is more than a bad idea — it may be an ethics violation. Mixing your personal and professional life or starting a romantic relationship with someone who began as a client can draw the scrutiny of your licensing board, depending on the nature of your work.
Massage therapists in particular are required to maintain strict professional boundaries. Crossing into a personal or sexual relationship, even if consensual, can result in board discipline or loss of license.
Similarly, psychologists and other mental health professionals are held to exceptionally high standards regarding dual relationships. Because of the inherent power imbalance, romantic relationships with clients are generally forbidden — sometimes even after therapy has ended.
Even if you aren’t arrested or charged with a crime, being named in a civil lawsuit (especially one involving allegations of harassment, negligence, or breach of trust) can put your license at risk.
Protective or restraining orders, even if temporary or ultimately dismissed, may appear in background checks and lead to board inquiries. It’s important to take these situations seriously and seek legal guidance early, especially in situations where your board requires self-reporting.
Unmanaged substance use or addiction can jeopardize your license. If you’re actively struggling, your board may require participation in a health monitoring program or take disciplinary action.
That said, seeking help can work in your favor. Many boards offer confidential diversion or treatment options, and working with an attorney can help you navigate this process safely.
Even without a conviction, being charged with a crime can trigger a mandatory disclosure or disciplinary review process. Boards may view pending charges as evidence of risk to the public or your professional fitness.
Involving a professional license defense attorney early can help you navigate any self-reporting requirements while avoiding unnecessary harm to your reputation.
Licensing boards are tasked with holding professionals to a high standard and protecting public interests. Because of this, it’s important to be mindful of your choices on and off the clock.
If you’re going through a difficult personal situation and are unsure whether it could affect your license, don’t wait until a complaint arrives. Reach out to an attorney who understands how North Carolina’s licensing boards operate.
You should always speak to a lawyer if:
Don’t wait until your career is in jeopardy to seek help. A knowledgeable attorney can help you avoid missteps, protect your rights, and be ready to respond appropriately if a board does get involved.
