What must a licensee do if convicted of a crime?

• A. Report the conviction as required and respond to TBCE as part of disciplinary process. (Correct)
• B. Ignore it until TBCE contacts them
• C. Only report if the offense involved patients
• D. Report only if it's a felony

Answer: (A)

When a licensee is convicted of a crime, regulatory boards require prompt reporting to the board and cooperation in the disciplinary process. This ensures accountability to the public, allows the board to assess whether the conviction impacts fitness to practice, and triggers the disciplinary procedures that safeguard professional standards.

Reporting the conviction as required and responding to TBCE as part of the disciplinary process is the best choice because it embodies that obligation to disclose and cooperate. Boards like TBCE typically mandate that any criminal conviction be reported within a defined timeframe and that the licensee actively participate in the disciplinary process, including providing information and responding to inquiries.

Ignoring the conviction is not acceptable because it violates regulatory duties and can lead to additional penalties. Reporting only if the offense involved patients is incorrect because offenses outside the patient context can still reflect on trust, safety, and fitness to practice. Reporting only if it’s a felony is also incorrect since many boards require disclosure and review for misdemeanors as well, depending on the nature and potential impact on professional conduct.