Mackenzie Trotter, an Iowa mental health counselor, was accused by her former employer of violating unspecified ethical standards but was unable to respond since she didn't know what standards she was alleged to have violated. It wasn't until the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professions assigned a peer reviewer to investigate that she learned what, specifically, she'd been accused of doing wrong.

If you're the target of allegations that you've violated unspecified ethical standards, you can't know where to begin to defend yourself — and this puts your professional license at risk. Let the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm help you navigate these unclear waters. We know how licensing boards operate, and we know your rights under the law. Send us a message online today or call 888-535-3686, and we'll get started protecting your license and your career.

Vague Accusations and Incomplete Paperwork

The Iowa licensing board's investigation eventually found that Trotter had failed to discuss changes in diagnoses with her supervisor and did not adequately retain client documents, such as emails and text messages. In consequence, Trotter received a warning, was required to complete 10 hours of educational training, and is now mandated to work under the supervision of a practice monitor.

At least now she knows what she did wrong and what the penalties are. The period between the allegations of unspecified ethical misconduct and the conclusion of the board's investigation, however, put her in a professional Limbo and left her unable to defend herself.

The Trotter case also highlights the magnitude of certain types of administrative missteps, like improper recordkeeping, which can quickly snowball into significant professional consequences. While these oversights can seem minor, licensing boards tend to pounce on them as mistakes that undermine the professionalism and credibility of the licensed professional and, by extension, the field as a whole.

Why You Need Legal Support During Board Proceedings

Facing a licensing board can feel overwhelming, especially when the accusations are vague. Without a solid understanding of board procedures and ethical codes, professionals may find themselves ill-equipped to respond effectively, which increases the likelihood of disciplinary action.

The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team is here to defend your rights. We'll:

• Uncover the specific ethical or procedural violations alleged against you.
• Present exculpating evidence to counter claims or mitigate penalties
• Work with your licensing board to achieve the best possible outcome in your case

The Bottom Line

Vague allegations of unspecified ethics violations can cost you your license and your livelihood. Don't leave your career to chance — be proactive in addressing board inquiries with the right legal support by your side. Call the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 to tell us about your case or send us a message online.