Part of the reason obtaining a professional license can be such an onerous process is that afterward, many of these professionals will be working without supervision. The licensing board may provide oversight in a broad sense, but the day-to-day work largely remains unmonitored.

In some cases, patients and clients may take matters into their own hands by installing a hidden camera in an attempt to capture a licensee's violations. This can happen to almost any type of licensed professional, although it's most prevalent with those working in the medical and child development fields.

If you are facing a situation in which a client or co-worker has filmed you allegedly violating your license, there is little time to waste. Reach out to the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team today to assess the damage and find the best way to protect your career. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or via our online form.

Speech Pathologist Fired After Abuse Caught on Hidden Camera

In real life, this scenario can look a lot like the one faced in 2022 by Catherine Heise Sprinkle. Sprinkle, a licensed speech therapist in Virginia, was treating a man who struggled to speak and swallow after a stroke. Unbeknownst to her, the patient's daughter had set up a secret video camera, and the footage showed Sprinkle throwing a wet towel at the patient's face and making questionable remarks toward him.

Sprinkle was fired from her job. After an investigation by the state's licensing board — which included the video — regulators determined that she had been abusive and behaved in a way that “had no legitimate therapeutic purpose.” As such, the therapist had her licensed revoked. The board will allow her to apply for reinstatement after two years, but approval is not guaranteed.

Hidden Cameras: What You Should Know

With the large number of license problems professionals can face, hidden cameras are not likely at the forefront of your mind. Simply don't violate the rules of your license, and it shouldn't matter whether there is a hidden camera watching or not. Easy enough, right?

Not exactly. The problem with video footage is it doesn't always tell the full story. Let's say an alleged violation occurs on camera. What is the context? What is happening off-screen? Is the professional in question facing the camera? There are a lot of faulty conclusions that can be drawn without knowing the answers to these questions. Unfortunately, the person under investigation is not always given the benefit of the doubt.

The Lento Law Firm Can Help

In licensing cases, the board doesn't require the same burden of proof as a criminal trial; as long as they reasonably believe you are guilty of the violation, they will punish you however they deem necessary. Despite not providing much context, a hidden camera video can provide the board with enough evidence to feel comfortable with their decision. Your best defense in these cases is having an experienced legal team on your side.

If you have been caught on camera allegedly violating your license, retaining the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team is your first step toward a suitable resolution. The legality of using hidden cameras varies from state to state, making our nationwide firm the perfect fit to handle your case. For a consultation, call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our automated contact form.