Can licensees be disciplined for criminal conduct?

• A. Yes, the license may be revoked or otherwise disciplined if it demonstrates lack of fitness to practice.
• B. No action is taken for criminal conduct.
• C. Only a monetary fine is possible.
• D. Criminal conduct is irrelevant to licensure.

Answer: (A)

Criminal conduct can lead to discipline because licensure is a protection for the public and rests on the licensee’s fitness to practice. When a licensee commits a crime, the board assesses whether that conduct demonstrates a lack of fitness to practice. If it does, the board can impose disciplinary actions that may include revoking the license, suspending it, placing the license on probation, or imposing fines and sometimes required remediation or treatment. The key factors are the nature and seriousness of the offense, how it relates to professional duties, the licensee’s conduct since the offense, and evidence of rehabilitation. Criminal conduct is not ignored and can justify discipline; monetary fines alone are not the only possible sanction, and the board may choose more substantial measures when the crime raises questions about public safety or trust in the profession.