THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) based in Sacramento, California governs the licensing of a number of therapists licenses in California including, but not limited to, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), and Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP)
The Board of Behavioral Sciences is one of the boards found within the California Department of Consumer Affairs also based in Sacramento.
The Board of Behavioral Sciences may seek to discipline (suspend or revoke) or deny the license of a license holder or applicant who has been convicted of a crime (Attorney Jonathan Turner has a criminal defense background as well and may be able to assist you in clearing or cleaning up your criminal history) or been accused of acts of unprofessionalism or dishonesty.
There are several layers to an investigation by the BBS and an attorney such as Sacramento, California professional licensing attorney Jonathan Turner should be involved at all times. Initially the Board may want a written explanation of the alleged misconduct from the licensee. It is most important to have an experienced license defense attorney like Mr. Turner assist you with drafting and submitting such key documents to the Board.
The later phases of the Board’s investigation includes the filing of a formal complaint called an Accusation (for a license holder) and a Statement of Issues (for a first-time license applicant). If an Accusation or Statement of Issues is received, the services of a Sacramento, California attorney such as Mr. Turner should be retained right away. A response to the aforementioned documents in the form of a Notice of Defense and Request for Discovery must be filed with the Board within 15 days normally.
Thereafter an administrative hearing is scheduled at one of California’s Offices of Administrative Hearings located in San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland and Sacramento. Therapist License Defense Attorney Jonathan Turner has appeared at administrative hearings all over California since 1998. Sometimes a matter can be resolved prior to the administrative hearing at a “pre-hearing settlement conference.” Other times an administrative hearing is necessary wherein witnesses testify in a courtroom setting under oath before an administrative law judge (ALJ). At these hearings there is documentary evidence and exhibits and the Board is normally represented by a deputy attorney general. As such, it is important that the license holder or applicant have an experienced administrative hearing attorney on their side.
Following the administrative hearing the ALJ issues a written decision recommending what discipline, if any, is warranted. Discipline can include private and public reprimands as well as probation and more serious actions such as suspension, revocation and license denial.
If you are a LMFT, LCSW or LED or seeking to obtain such a license and dealing with the Board of Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Consumer Affairs, contact Professional Licensing Defense Attorney Jonathan Turner for a consultation. Your career as a therapist may depend on it.
LEGAL TROUBLE WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL LICENSING BOARD?
If you received a denial of a professional license or any threat to your ability to continue practicing your profession, please contact attorney Jonathan Turner using this contact form or call (916) 471-6506 for a personal conversation.