Are you a licensed Orlando psychologist or mental health professional who has been indicted for a criminal offense? Mental health professionals may face stricter penalties even for a criminal traffic violation such as reckless driving. There are strict reporting requirements for licensed mental health professionals accused of committing a crime in Florida, irrespective of whether they’re found guilty or enter a plea.
No matter what criminal offense you’re facing, it is vital to your career to understand the professional ramifications and the criminal penalties you may encounter. The Florida Department of Health requires all licensed medical professionals to report your case’s disposition to the DOH or the applicable Board—as a licensed psychologist, you must notify the Board of Psychology within 30 days. The following details explain everything you need to know.
Suppose you’re a Florida psychologist or psychiatrist accused of committing a crime. In that case, it is highly encouraged to retain the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who recognizes the reporting requirements as a mental health professional and can advise you on the full range of implications that accompany a plea.
When you retain a criminal defense attorney from The Umansky Law Firm, our attorneys work diligently to create a robust and compelling defense strategy to reduce criminal sanctions that you may experience in cases such as the following:
Our attorneys are also highly trained in Florida’s administrative law and know what is necessary to successfully defend your license to practice mental health from disciplinary actions. We guide our clients through each phase of this challenging process, from preparing your report or supplying documents to the Board of Psychology. When you’re facing legal troubles that may affect your future freedom and career, The Umansky Law Firm is here to provide knowledgeable and strategic legal counsel so you can move ahead in your private and professional life.
Licensed mental health professionals in Florida have 30 days to notify the Board of Psychology if they’ve been found guilty of a crime or pled guilty or nolo contendere. Under Florida Statute Section 456.072(1)(x), licensed psychologists and psychiatrists are subject to face disciplinary action for:
“Failing to report to the board, or the department if there is no board, in writing within 30 days after the licensee has been convicted or found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction.”
Licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and other Florida mental health professionals can report a criminal conviction or plea deal through the Florida Department of Health’s Online Services, by emailing MQALicensureServices@flhealth.gov, or by mail at:
Florida Department of Health
Licensure Support Services Unit, Bin #C-10
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3267
Keep in mind that the report must include:
At The Umansky Law Firm, we have helped many licensed medical professionals through this process. While the reporting process may feel intimidating, our professional medical license lawyers are here to help you navigate each step of this self-reporting process, along with your criminal defense.
Any licensed mental health professional who neglects their responsibility to report a criminal conviction, guilty plea, or no-contest plea to the Board of Psychology can face severe administrative sanctions, including hefty fines, suspension or revocation of license. Suppose it’s your first violation failing to notify the Board of a conviction or plea as a mental health professional. In that case, it’s generally safe to expect a penalty more lenient than you would for a repeat offense.
Whatever your situation, be sure to keep in mind that a plea deal or conviction for a crime does not automatically lead to disciplinary actions that affect your license or career as a mental health professional. But, if you ignore your obligation to report this to the Board of Psychology within 30 days, the Board may take a harsher stance when assessing your case.
Considerations that influence the Board’s decision on disciplinary action you face for failing to report a conviction or plea deal include:
Whether your psychologist’s or psychiatrist’s license will be provisionally or permanently affected depends on the details of the crime. Speak with the criminal and administrative defense lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm to determine the potential outcomes for your situation.
If you’re a licensed Florida psychologist or mental health professional who may be facing disciplinary actions for failure to report a criminal conviction or plea to the Florida Board of Psychology, it’s essential to contact an experienced attorney immediately. For legal aid you can depend on to protect your rights and career as a licensed mental health professional, retain a criminal and psychologist defense attorney from The Umansky Law Firm.
Our attorneys possess extensive criminal defense backgrounds with over 100 years of combined legal experience. We are prepared to defend you in the administrative action and help you avoid criminal prosecution and license suspension. The sooner you secure qualified legal counsel, the better your prospects are to minimize disciplinary actions and move forward without an offense plaguing your future and career. To speak with an experienced medical license defense attorney, complete an online contact form or call today.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
