If you're a licensed occupational therapist in Massachusetts, you've already completed the many steps required by the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions. You've met the educational and supervised fieldwork requirements, passed the NBCOT exam, and successfully navigated the state's licensure process. You're familiar with the professional standards expected by the Board, and you understand those standards are in place to protect the public and ensure quality care.
That's why being notified of an investigation or disciplinary action by the Board can be so stressful. Your license and everything you've worked so hard to achieve are suddenly at risk. Your ability to practice, earn a living, and continue your career may depend on how you respond.
A disciplinary matter from the Board isn't something you should handle on your own. What you need is experienced legal counsel—someone from the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team who understands how to defend occupational therapists before the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions. Call us today at 888-535-3686, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. We're here to help protect your license and your future.
Occupational Therapist Licensing in Massachusetts
OTs who want to practice in Massachusetts must be licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions. Applicants are required to complete an accredited occupational therapy educational program, which includes necessary supervised fieldwork. Additionally, they must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. The initial application process is managed by Professional Credential Services, Inc. (PCS), and involves specific fees depending on the license type.
Licenses must be renewed biennially. As part of the renewal process, licensees are required to certify the completion of continuing competence activities, also known as continuing education. The specific requirements for these activities are outlined by the Board and are prorated based on the licensee's renewal date. Failure to meet these requirements or to provide accurate documentation may result in non-renewal or disciplinary action.
Licensees must also disclose any disciplinary actions taken against any professional license they hold in any jurisdiction. This disclosure should be made during the renewal process and must include relevant documentation, such as final decisions or consent agreements issued by the licensing authority.
It's essential for OTs in Massachusetts to stay informed about the Board's regulations and policies to ensure compliance and maintain their licensure in good standing. Simply forgetting to fill out the proper paperwork can lead to a penalty from the Board.
What Does the Board of Allied Health Professions Do?
The Board manages licensing for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, as well as for physical therapists and athletic trainers. In addition, the Board investigates complaints against licensees, which may come from various sources, including patients and employers. If violations are found, the Board can impose sanctions. Disciplinary actions include:
- Fines
- probation
- Formal reprimands or censure letters
- License suspension
- License revocation
- Non-renewal of license
Summaries of recent disciplinary actions are also publicly available from the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL). When you're formally disciplined by the Board, the impact goes well beyond the immediate sanctions. Disciplinary actions are a matter of public record and are published for anyone to see. This means that current or prospective employers can access details about your case, including your name, license number, and the specific reasons for the discipline.
That's why it's critical to take action the moment you become aware of a complaint or investigation. With the help of the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team, you can build a strong response and work toward a more favorable outcome, ideally before the Board takes any formal disciplinary steps. Don't wait until your professional reputation is on the line. Let us help you protect your career.
Violations that Lead to Disciplinary Action by the Board
The Board has the authority to discipline licensees found responsible for misconduct violations. Occupational therapists must follow all state and federal laws, as well as all regulations pertaining to occupational therapy practice and qualification in Massachusetts.
You could face an official sanction from the Board if you have any of the following violations:
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license by fraud or deception
- Conviction of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude
- Gross negligence in your practice of occupational therapy
- Judged mentally ill or incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction
- Use of drugs or intoxicating liquors to the extent that it adversely affects your practice
- Acting in a professional, unethical manner according to the standards of ethics for the occupational therapy profession
When the Board receives a complaint about a licensee, it follows a specific procedure for investigating the claim and, if it has merit, will take the disciplinary process further. Our Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can assist you with the Board's process, as it's not particularly easy to find information about it. Several state administrative laws apply to disciplinary procedures for licensed professionals in Massachusetts, and figuring out how they affect you and what you should do to defend yourself once you've received a complaint can be time-consuming. Contact the Lento Law Firm early in the process so we can help you understand exactly what you're accused of, what your rights are, and how best to defend yourself.
How the Board of Allied Health Professions Learns About Misconduct
In Massachusetts, the Board of Allied Health Professions primarily becomes aware of potential misconduct by licensed OTs through two channels: public complaints and self-reporting by licensees.
Public Complaints
Individuals, including patients, family members, colleagues, or supervisors, can file complaints against licensed occupational therapists. The Board provides an online complaint portal for electronic submissions and also accepts paper complaint forms upon request. The Board evaluates each complaint to determine if it warrants an investigation. If so, the licensee will be notified and given an opportunity to respond.
Self-Reporting Obligations
During the license renewal process, occupational therapists must disclose any convictions or pending criminal cases. The Board is authorized to access data about convictions and pending criminal cases as part of the renewal process. No criminal records are automatic disqualifiers, and applicants will have the opportunity to discuss any issues with the Board.
Given the complexities surrounding self-reporting and the potential implications for your license, we advise consulting with the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. We can assist you in understanding your obligations, preparing necessary disclosures, and responding to any inquiries from the Board, thereby helping to protect your professional standing.
Board Investigation and Disciplinary Process for Massachusetts OTs
The Board of Allied Health Professions has the authority to discipline practitioners who violate professional regulations or compromise public trust. However, the actual disciplinary process follows a standardized procedure used by all Massachusetts administrative agencies, including licensing boards. If you're facing a complaint or possible disciplinary action, knowing what to expect can help you take the right steps to protect your license.
Complaint
The process usually begins when a formal complaint is submitted to the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure (BHPL). Complaints can come from anyone—patients, colleagues, supervisors, employers, or even insurance providers. Any allegation that raises concerns about ethical violations, incompetence, or unprofessional conduct may trigger an investigation.
Investigation
Once received, the complaint is reviewed by the Office of Investigations within the DOL. An investigator is assigned to gather facts by interviewing witnesses, examining documentation, and possibly issuing subpoenas to obtain necessary evidence. The results of this investigation are then evaluated to determine whether formal disciplinary action should be pursued.
Informal Resolution
In many cases, the Board may offer to resolve the matter through an informal meeting or a settlement conference. This is your opportunity to present your side of the story, provide evidence, and negotiate a resolution, often without proceeding to a full formal hearing. In some cases, this can result in a reduced penalty or even dismissal of the complaint. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during this stage, and our team at the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team has a strong track record of reaching favorable resolutions at this point in the process.
Formal Hearing
If no agreement is reached informally, the case moves to a formal adjudicatory hearing. This hearing is overseen by a presiding officer and follows a structured, trial-like process. You'll be given a chance to present evidence, call witnesses, and challenge the claims made against you. Legal representation is especially critical at this stage, as the hearing outcome can significantly affect your professional future.
Final Board Action
After the hearing, the presiding officer submits a recommended decision to the Board. The Board of Allied Health Professions then reviews the recommendation and issues a final decision.
Throughout this process, the guidance of our Professional License Defense attorneys can be the difference between protecting your license and facing career-altering consequences. The Lento Law Firm defends licensed professionals in Massachusetts and is ready to help you navigate the process, protect your rights, and preserve your career.
Ignoring the Complaint Won't Make It Go Away
If a complaint has been made against your OT license, underestimating its seriousness can lead to costly consequences. Even if the allegations appear unfounded, ignoring the Board's investigation or failing to respond appropriately can result in disciplinary action, regardless of your innocence.
Taking the complaint seriously from the start and consulting a knowledgeable attorney demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and gives you the best opportunity to build a strong defense. The earlier you involve our Professional License Defense Team, the better your chances of resolving the matter with minimal impact on your career.
Will It Make You Look Guilty if You Hire an Attorney?
Not at all. Hiring an attorney won't be seen by the Board as an admission of guilt—in fact, quite the opposite. It shows that you're taking the situation seriously and are committed to addressing it in a thoughtful, professional manner. Bringing in a knowledgeable license defense attorney is a smart, responsible decision that reflects your commitment to protecting both your livelihood and your reputation. The Board may even prefer that you hire an attorney to deal with the complaint against you, as it generally makes the process easier for them.
Why Hiring a Massachusetts Professional License Defense Attorney Is Crucial
As an occupational therapist in Massachusetts, your license is one of your most valuable professional assets. You've invested years in education, hands-on clinical training, and meeting the rigorous standards set by the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions. That license grants you the authority to deliver specialized care and serve your patients and clients. It's essential not only to your current role but to your entire career.
If you're under investigation or facing disciplinary action, it's important to respond with urgency and care. It's not a situation to handle alone. You'll be in a far stronger position to protect your license and reputation with an experienced professional license defense attorney by your side.
The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team is here to guide and defend you through every step of the process. Partnering with our team is an investment in your career, your livelihood, and your future. We know what's at stake, and we're ready to fight for your ability to keep practicing the profession you've worked so hard to join.
We represent OTs across Massachusetts, including those working in:
- Boston
- Worcester
- Springfield
- Cambridge
- Brockton
- New Bedford
- Lynn
- Quincy
No matter where you're living and working as an occupational therapist in Massachusetts, our team is ready to help you defend your license.
Let the Lento Law Firm Defend Your OT License
If you're an occupational therapist under investigation or facing a disciplinary proceeding in Massachusetts, you don't have to go through it alone. Our team is here to guide you through the process, reduce your stress, and develop a strong defense on your behalf. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or complete our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help.
