Disciplinary Process, Grounds for Discipline, Sanctions, and Reporting Obligations
Grounds and process
The Board may discipline a licensee for violating ORS 688 or Board rules, unprofessional conduct, incompetence, gross negligence, fraud, license application misrepresentation, impairment, or criminal conduct relevant to practice. A complaint triggers investigation; the licensee receives notice and an opportunity for a contested case hearing under the APA. The Board may settle by stipulation.
Sanctions and reporting
Sanctions include reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation, civil penalties, CE, and practice restrictions. Licensees must report certain events-for example, convictions, discipline in another state, or other matters the rules require-within the stated time. Failure to report is itself a violation. Mandatory reporting of impaired or unethical colleagues may also apply.
Worked example
A PT is convicted of DUI. The conviction may not directly involve patients, but it must be reported if the rule requires it. The Board investigates and may impose monitoring, education, or restrictions. The PT who hides it faces a separate discipline count for failure to report.
Traps
Do not assume only patient-harm complaints matter; fraud and impairment count. Do not ignore Board correspondence-default can lead to discipline. Do not assume a criminal acquittal ends the Board case; the Board uses its own standard. Do not report to the association instead of the Board.