As a licensed professional, your career's success hinges on maintaining an impeccable reputation. If you find yourself under investigation by your licensing board and facing the possibility of receiving a professional reprimand, it's crucial to fully understand the potential implications. Two common board responses to alleged misconduct in the context of professional licensing are censure and discipline. While both serve as responses to wrongdoing, they differ significantly in their nature, implications, and severity. 

The primary difference between censure and discipline lies in their nature and consequences. Censure is a formal expression of disapproval or condemnation without specific penalties. Discipline involves imposing specific consequences or corrective measures to address wrongdoing and holding the professional accountable for their actions. It is generally considered a higher level of reprimand than censure. 

If you are a licensed professional in danger of being censured, disciplined, or receiving any other form of professional reprimand, we are here to help you. Call the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or use our online form. 

Censure  

In the context of professional licensing, censure occurs when a licensing board or regulatory authority formally expresses disapproval or condemnation of a professional's actions or behavior. It is typically accompanied by a public statement or resolution acknowledging the misconduct and highlighting its severity. Censure is usually the lowest form of discipline and does not typically impose specific penalties or consequences. Nonetheless, it can have a harmful impact on one's reputation or career. 

Censure can take various forms depending on the professional field and state where the reprimand occurs. For example, the Medical Board of California may issue online a “public reprimand” (censure) against a medical professional who has had a minor complaint filed against them or has been arrested for a minor crime. The professional will generally be allowed to continue practicing; however, the censure may remain on their record indefinitely. 

In the legal context, an attorney who breaches professional or ethical standards may face censure from the State Bar Association; however, the censure may not necessarily be made public. In New York, for example, a lawyer who faces censure may be publicly or privately reprimanded, depending upon the severity of the breach committed. Whether censure is public or private, it does not necessarily result in license suspension or disbarment.  

Disciplinary Actions 

On the other hand, discipline refers to the formal process of imposing specific consequences or corrective measures in response to misconduct or violations of professional standards. It aims to maintain integrity, accountability, and public trust within a particular profession or industry. Discipline can take various forms, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the field, the misconduct's severity, and the governing body's or regulatory authority's policies. Common disciplinary actions include fines, probation, attending remedial classes, or license suspension or revocation. 

Hire Experienced Professional Licensing Defense Attorneys 

The Professional Licensing Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is experienced in representing professionals nationwide before state boards in a range of fields, from healthcare to accounting. If you are facing possible censure or discipline, contact the Lento Law Firm Team today at 888.535.3686 or use our online form. We want to help protect the career and reputation you've worked hard to attain.