Re-applying for Occupational Therapy license

[alvinprsd]

What is the name of your state? California.

This may sound a little confusing. I believe it was in 2003 that the state of California began requirring Occupational Therapists to be licensed with the Board of Occupational Therapy. I applied, but because of previous arrests my license was first denied, then given to me on a 5 year probationary period. Since then I was employed with another company where I, stupidly, used a facility computer inappropriately, that was in 2004. For that I was fired. I was able, at the beginning of 2005 to get hired again, while I was waiting to hear what would happen with my license. My employers at that time were informed of my license situation, and still hired me. Soon after I received word that my license would be revoked in August. At that time I had to voluntarily leave my Occupational Therapy (OT) jobs. This August I can re-apply for my license, although I will have to meet before an administrative judge, and members of the Board of Occupational Therapy. I want to be prepared for this, and wonder what advice any of you can give me. I have contacted recent employers asking them if they would mail me letters stating my efforts to keep from using the computer inappropriately. One person has agreed, and my temp. employment agency supervisor has also. One of my previous employers is also going to put together something. However, it is the VP of HR, who will be quoting my supervisor, as my supervisor stated she is not allowed to write a letter. So I just wonder if my supervisor can be subpenaed? Cause I really don't want that to happen to her. Although it can be very helpful. Also I left a message for another prior supe. and he hasn't returned my call. Can I have him subpoenaed? Do you think I need to? Is there any other advice you have for me? I am in therapy, perhaps my therapist can write a letter? Should I have friends from church write character letters? I just don't really know what they need. Then do I need to provide the Board with all these letters before my hearing?

I appreciate anything you all provide me with.

Thank you,

Alvin

 

[alvinprsd]

Please reply to my post

Somebody please help me with my question.

Thank you,

Alvin

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Alvin,
Did you have an attorney specializing in representing liscensing cases? Did you have an attorney through your malpractice insurance? What were the terms of your probation? Did you cary them out to the letter? What was the nature of your arrests? My gut feeling is that since you re offended resulting in termination for inappropriate computer use, that the board will be hesident to reissue you a license. Like other therapists, your clients are dependent on you for a good example, you work with persons of diminished capacity when you work with DD and Stroke survivors, why would the board give you a third chance? I suggest you get a competent attorney and plan on a long and expensive fight or to find another occupation.

 

[alvinprsd]

Really?

My first arrest was for indecent exposure, before ever receiving my OT degree. Then because of mistaken information from my lawyer, at the time, I did not register, and was arrested for failure to register. Both of these, however, have been expunged, and in November of this year I can apply for a pardon.

The reason I was fired was for inappropriate use of a facility computer, but that case was settled out of court, because, my feeling is, that they knew they did not have the evidence to pursue a court case.

I fulfilled my probation requirements, until my license was revoked, which overrode the probation requirements.

I plan to show that I have been open and honest with my employers since then, letting them know of my probation, reason for it, and that I was still hired on, even with them knowing this information. Plus that I have positioned my computer screen so as not to hide what I am doing.

Thanks for the reply, though.

Alvin