Section 330-C:27 Disciplinary Action; Misconduct.
I. The board may undertake investigations and disciplinary proceedings:
(a) Upon its own initiative.
(b) Upon written complaint of any person which charges that a person has committed any acts of misconduct under this section and which specifies the grounds for such complaint.
II. All written complaints received by the board shall be recorded and contain the following information:
(a) Licensee's or certificate holder's name.
(b) Name of the complaining party.
(c) Date of complaint.
(d) Brief statement of complaint.
III. Misconduct sufficient to support disciplinary proceedings under this section includes:
(a) Violating any provision of this chapter or any substantive rule adopted under this chapter or order issued by the board.
(b) Engaging in the practice of substance use counseling or supervision in a manner harmful or dangerous to the client or public.
(c) The practice of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to obtain a license or certification under this chapter.
(d) Failing to obtain the continuing education credits necessary for renewal.
(e) Engaging in sexual relations, soliciting sexual relations, or committing an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct with a current client or with a person who was a client.
(f) Failing to remain free from the use of any controlled substance or any alcoholic beverage to the extent that the use impairs the ability of the licensee or certificate holder to conduct with safety to the public the practices authorized by this chapter.
(g) Conviction of a felony which has not been waived by the board.
(h) Having a disciplinary action pending in another state or territory of the United States or having a license in another state or territory of the United States under revocation, suspension, or probation.
(i) Failing to maintain confidentiality pursuant to RSA 330-C:26.
(j) Engaging in false or misleading advertising.
(k) Having a mental disability which significantly impairs professional ability or judgment and which is independently verified to the board.
(l) Failing to submit or adhere to a plan for compliance with the clinical supervision requirement for LADCs within the required timeframe.
IV. The board, after notice and a public hearing, or as part of a settlement hearing, may take disciplinary action against a licensee or certificate holder in any one or more of the following ways:
(a) Revocation of license or certificate.
(b) Suspension of license or certificate for a period of time as determined reasonable by the board.
(c) Censure.
(d) Issuance of a letter of reprimand.
(e) Placement on probationary status. The board may require the person to submit to any of the following:
(1) Regular reporting to the board concerning the matters which are the basis of the probation.
(2) Continuing professional education until a satisfactory degree of skill has been achieved in those areas which are the basis of probation.
(3) Submitting to the care, counseling, or treatment of a physician, counseling service, health care facility, professional assistance program, or any comparable person or facility approved by the board.
(4) Practicing under the direct supervision of another licensee for a period of time specified by the board.
(f) Refusal to renew a license or certification.
(g) Revocation of probation which has been granted by the board and imposition of any other discipline provided in this section if the requirements of probation have not been fulfilled or have been violated.
(h) Assessing administrative fines in amounts established by the board which shall not exceed $2,000 per offense, or in the case of a continuing offense, $250 for each day the violation continues.
V. The board may reinstate any person to good standing under this chapter if, after hearing, the board is satisfied that reinstatement is in the public interest.
VI. Upon the suspension or revocation of a license or certification issued under this chapter, a licensee or certificate holder shall surrender the license or certificate to the board.
Source. 2008, 189:1, eff. July 1, 2008.