Psychologists are required to follow the rules and regulations that have been set for them. If they break any of those rules or behave unethically, they can be held responsible for their behavior by the Florida Board of Psychology.
Not every complaint to discipline a psychologist is valid or accurate, though. You have the right to defend yourself against any allegations, especially since it is typically much easier to defend yourself and keep your psychology license than fight to get it back.
A Florida Board of Psychology discipline defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is ready to discuss the details of your case. We have worked with mental health professionals, helping them through the disciplinary process. We understand the steps to take and the deadlines that must be met. For a free, no-risk review of your Board of Psychology discipline case, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today.
Professional Misconduct for Mental Health Professionals
The American Psychological Association holds mental health professionals responsible for adhering to five general principles: beneficence and nonmaleficence (taking care to do no harm), fidelity and responsibility (maintain standards of conduct and take responsibility for their behavior), integrity, justice, and respect for people’s rights and dignity. Certain types of professional misconduct may include:
- Gross malpractice
- Deception or incompetence
- Conviction of a felony
- Any type of sexual relationship with a patient
- False or misleading advertising
- Paying a kickback to a client or patient or receiving a kickback for giving a referral
- Filing fraudulent claims
- Helping someone who is unlicensed to practice psychology do so
- Failure to comply with requirements for prescribing controlled substances
If you have been accused of one of the types of disciplinary misconduct listed above or something else entirely, you have the right to defend yourself against allegations of professional misconduct. For a free case review, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today.
Possible Disciplinary Actions Against Psychologists
If you have been accused of violating the code of ethics or breaking the law, you could be subject to several disciplinary actions, including the suspension or permanent revocation of a license.
However, losing your licensure is not the first action that the Board of Psychology would likely take. Some possible disciplinary actions include:
- Being issued a letter of concern or reprimand
- Receiving an administrative fine up to $10,000 per offense
- Being placed on probation
- Refunding bills collected from patients or to third parties on behalf of a patient
- Participating in remedial education
- Restriction of practice
While some mental health professionals claim that they did not know they were facing disciplinary action, the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling clearly notes that not knowing does not alleviate any accountability you might have for allegations.
Contact a Florida Board of Psychology Discipline Defense Lawyer Today
Responding to allegations within the deadline and taking appropriate steps to defend yourself, including gathering and providing the necessary evidence, can protect your psychology practice and professional reputation. However, we know you are busy and that doing so takes time. Let our Board of Psychology discipline attorneys help you with the process. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for your free, no-risk consultation.
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