Disciplinary Process and Professional Ethics
How a complaint moves
A complaint is filed with LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing. After investigation, the bureau may issue an administrative complaint. Contested cases are heard by an administrative law judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules, who issues a proposal for decision; the board’s disciplinary subcommittee then determines sanctions. The board may summarily suspend or restrict a license when there is imminent danger to the public.
Grounds and sanctions
MCL 333.16221 lists grounds including negligence, incompetence, unprofessional conduct, fraud or deceit, substance abuse, criminal conviction, and violation of the Code or rules. MCL 333.16226 authorizes sanctions such as revocation, suspension, probation, limitation, restitution, community service, costs, and an administrative fine of up to $10,000 per violation. The standard is preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ethics in practice
Confidentiality, informed consent, honest billing, professional boundaries, and avoiding conflicts of interest are core duties. Altering records after a complaint is itself a separate violation and often aggravates sanctions.
Worked example
A chiropractor bills insurers for visits that never occurred and, after a patient complaint, adds treatment notes to the file. Billing fraud and record alteration are separate grounds for discipline. The board can order restitution and a fine, and the conduct may also be referred for criminal review.
Traps that cost marks
The board does not award pain-and-suffering damages; it imposes professional sanctions and restitution. A complaint is not a malpractice lawsuit. Summary suspension can occur before a full hearing.