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December 26, 2024 Clouds | 28°F
The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  1. General Laws
  2. Part I ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
  3. Title XVI PUBLIC HEALTH
  4. Chapter 111J ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELORS
  5. Section 6 Consumer complaints; authority of department; discipline of licensee

Section 6

Section 6: Consumer complaints; authority of department; discipline of licensee

Section 6. The department shall establish procedures for consumers to file written complaints regarding an alcohol and drug counselor who is subject to requirements for licensure.

The department shall investigate all complaints relating to the proper practice of an alcohol and drug counselor holding a license and all complaints relating to any violation of this chapter or regulation of the department.

The department may conduct an adjudicatory proceeding pursuant to chapter 30A, but shall not have the power to issue, vacate, modify or enforce subpoenas pursuant to section 12 of said chapter 30A. The department may, after a hearing pursuant to said chapter 30A, deny, refuse renewal, revoke, limit or suspend a license or otherwise discipline an alcohol and drug counselor licensed pursuant to this chapter. Grounds for denial, refusal to renew, revocation, limitation, suspension or other discipline shall include the following:

(1) fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license;

(2) criminal conduct which the department determines to be of such a nature as to render such person unfit to practice as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor as evidenced by criminal proceedings resulting in a conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere or an admission of sufficient facts;

(3) violation of any rule or regulation of the department governing the practice of alcohol and drug counselors;

(4) violation of ethical standards which the department determines to be of such a nature as to render such person unfit to practice as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor;

(5) other just and sufficient cause which the department may determine would render a person unfit to practice as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

Where denial, refusal to renew, revocation or suspension is based solely on the failure of the licensee to file timely an application or pay prescribed fees or to maintain insurance coverage as required by law or regulation, the department may act without first granting the applicant or licensee a hearing.