Speech language pathologists are a unique type of healthcare professional who assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of swallowing and communication disorders. These specialists, often called SLPs, work with people of any age.
Often, patients who experience challenges with their cognitive communication, speech production, language, and swallowing abilities will receive referrals to SLPs. SLPs, since they do so many things, tend to have a great deal of training.
If you're an SLP, you know this. You've likely invested many years and significant resources into your career. Because of that, you're probably hoping to practice for years to come. Unfortunately, if someone registers a complaint against you and your practice, your state's licensing board could revoke your license (and, with it, your ability to practice).
The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to help you protect your license, should the need arise. If you're aware that your state is opening an investigation into your actions as an SLP, you need to contact Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team immediately. No matter where you are in the nation, one thing is true: When state licensing boards open investigations against SLPs, things can move disastrously fast.
There isn't a moment to waste. Bookmark this page and get ready to call 888.535.3686 to discuss your next steps.
The Road to Becoming a Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Becoming an SLP requires years of education, fulfilling clinical practicum hours, taking state licensure exams, and managing other various requirements.
In addition to having a master's degree, you'll need to obtain state licensure, become certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and maintain that certification through ongoing education courses.
If any of the entities along the way, from ASHA to your state's licensing board, receive complaints against you, you could be at risk of losing your ability to practice.
The specific state licensing board you will answer to depends on your state. For example, New York SLP license disputes will go through the Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology division of the Office of Professions. In California, the Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board oversees similar issues.
No matter where you live in the nation, the experienced Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm will be able to help you protect your license, your reputation, and your professional future.
But what will they work to protect you from?
Potential Accusations to Be Aware of as a Professional Speech Language Pathologist
There are many types of accusations that could cause your state's board to consider revocation of your license.
They include:
- Fraud, or misrepresenting your own credentials, upcharging insurance, publishing false advertisements, or even overcharging your own patients
- Substance abuse, particularly on the job, may demonstrate to your state's board that your ability to perform your job well is in question
- Criminal convictions, particularly if you're convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, may provide grounds for suspension or revocation of your license
- Gross negligence, or having a pattern of making bad decisions or calls that endanger your patients
- Inappropriate conduct, which could range from sexual misconduct to harassment or the establishment of dual relationships with your patients.
Simply weathering an allegation of any of these serious actions can do damage to your reputation. Your state's licensing board could also decide to strip you of your license — and your ability to earn a living! — because of any of these accusations.
If that happens, what can you do about it?
What Happens After an Accusation of Misconduct for SLPs
Once your state's licensing board receives the information about your case, it will take some time to determine the next steps and gather as much evidence as possible.
You should retain the services of the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team immediately and then watch out for these steps.
- An investigation. As your state learns about what allegedly happened, representatives from your board may ask you for a statement or interview potential witnesses.
- A consent decree. If there's enough evidence to support a case, your licensing board may offer to waive your hearing if you sign a consent decree. This will require acknowledgment from you that you did something wrong. Your Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team will be able to advise you as to whether or not this is a good idea.
- A formal hearing. If your state doesn't pursue a consent decree, you will have to defend yourself in a formal hearing. At the end of this hearing, the licensing board will recommend punitive measures.
At this point, you can either accept your consequences, try to negotiate with the board for a lesser sanction, or file an appeal. Your chances of experiencing a successful outcome will be drastically increased by working with the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team.
Is Your SLP License at Risk? Call Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm
When your career as a speech language pathologist is on the line, you need an experienced professional license defense advisor to help you pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
Why?
Your goal is to keep your license, and, unfortunately, that could be very difficult if you wait and try to weather allegations and an investigation on your own. Instead, by partnering with the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team, you can benefit in several ways — including:
- Fully understanding the nature of the complaints or allegations against you
- Feeling like you're ready to go before your licensing board
- Having professional representation when you go before your licensing board
- Having assistance pulling together evidence and building the best possible defense for your case
- Having support during tense negotiations when your future's at stake
- Having assistance navigating appeals or working towards reinstatement, if applicable
The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team is ready to make sure that your years of hard work in becoming a licensed speech language pathologist don't go to waste. No matter where you live and practice in the nation, our experienced lawyers will be able to provide the support you require. Need assistance protecting your profession as a speech language pathologist through a license investigation? Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686.
