§ 5-39.1-10. Social worker discipline. Licensees subject to this chapter shall conduct their activities, services, and practice in accordance with this chapter and with any rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter. The board may recommend to the director refusal to grant a license to, or may recommend that the director suspend, revoke, condition, limit, qualify, or restrict the license of any individual who the board, after a hearing, determines:

(1) Is incompetent to practice under the provisions of this chapter, or is found to engage in the practice of social work in a manner harmful or dangerous to a client or to the public;

(2) Has obtained or attempted to obtain a certificate or license, or renewal of a certificate or license, by bribery or fraudulent representation;

(3) Has knowingly made a false statement on a form required by the board for licensing or renewal of license;

(4) Has failed to obtain the continuing education credits required by the board;

(5) Has engaged in or solicited sexual relations with a client, or committed an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct against a past or current client;

(6) Has failed to remain free from use of any controlled substance or any alcoholic beverages to the extent that the use impairs the ability of the person to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by this license. The applicant bears the burden of proving that he or she is free from use of any controlled substance or any alcoholic beverages that impair his or her ability to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by this license;

(7) Has been convicted of a felony, which is subject to waiver by the board upon presentation of satisfactory evidence that this conviction does not impair the ability of the person to conduct with safety to the public practice authorized by this license. The applicant bears the burden of proving that his or her conviction does not impair his or her ability to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by this license;

(8) Has disciplinary action pending or has revocation, suspension, or probation taken against the licensee's license in another state;

(9) Assists or permits unlicensed persons under the licensee's supervision to perform services for which a license is required under this chapter;

(10) Has failed to maintain confidentiality, except as required or permitted by law;

(11) Has engaged in false or misleading advertising;

(12) Has a mental disability that significantly impairs the ability of the person to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by this license. Mental disability includes, but is not limited to, an order by a court that a licensee is in need of mental treatment for incompetence; or

(13) Has violated any of the provisions of this chapter, or the provisions of any code of ethics adopted by the board.

History of Section. (P.L. 1994, ch. 77, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 102, § 2.)