Can a license be revoked for criminal conduct?

• A. Yes, if it demonstrates lack of fitness to practice or violates professional standards.
• B. No, criminal conduct has no impact on licensure.
• C. Only if convicted of a felony.
• D. Only for conduct occurring in a clinical setting.

Answer: (A)

Licensing boards can revoke a license when criminal conduct demonstrates a lack of fitness to practice or violates professional standards. The public expects professionals to act with honesty, integrity, and reliability; crimes that call these qualities into question or that undermine the ability to practice safely provide a legitimate basis for discipline, including revocation. This can occur even if the wrongdoing happened outside the clinical setting, because it affects the practitioner’s trustworthiness and the safety of patients. While felony convictions are often a strong signal for discipline, many boards also discipline for serious misdemeanors or patterns of conduct that show unfitness for professional practice. In short, criminal conduct can lead to revocation when it reflects an inability to meet professional standards or endangers public safety.