1. (1) Upon a finding that the respondent has violated any of the enumerated provisions of Code of Ala. 1975, §34-30-4 (1991), or any rule established by the Board, including the Standards of Professional Conduct & Ethics, the Board may impose any or all of the disciplinary penalties set forth in ALA. CODE §34-30-4 (1991) including refusing to renew a license or certification, suspension or revocation of a license or certification, imposition of a private or public censure, probation, and the levy of administrative fines of not more than $500.00 for each violation.

2. (2) Consideration. In determining whether a license or certification should be revoked or suspended, and whether execution of the order should be stayed, and upon what conditions; and whether to levy an administrative fine; or impose a public or private censure; the Board shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to the following:

   1. (a) the severity of the offense;
   2. (b) the danger to the public;
   3. (c) the number of repetitions of the offense;
   4. (d) the length of time since the date of violation;
   5. (e) the number of complaints filed against the respondent;
   6. (f) the length of time the respondent has practiced;
   7. (g) the actual damage to the complainant and/or the public;
   8. (h) the deterrent effect of the penalty imposed;
   9. (i) the effect of the penalty upon the respondent's livelihood;
   10. (j) any efforts or rehabilitation; and
   11. (k) any other mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Author: Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-30-4 (1996 Supp.).

History: Repealed and Replaced: Filed October 31, 1997; Operative December 5, 1997; effective January 1, 1998. Amended: Filed September 15, 2015; effective October 30, 2016.