Eric Ashmore, Executive Director
State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure
3815 N. Santa Fe, Ste. 110
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Re: Schwope, Applicant for LPC licensure
Dear Director Ashmore:
This office has received your request for a written Attorney General Opinion regarding action that the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure intends to take with respect to the Licensed Professional Counselor (“LPC”) application of Schwope.
The Licensed Professional Counselors Act authorizes the Board to deny the license of a person who engages in unprofessional conduct.1 59 O.S.2021, § 1912(A)(4).
In May 2017, Schwope’s LPC license was revoked arising from charges of sexual misconduct with a client, and drug-related charges with a second client. Schwope applied for renewal of his LPC license in March 2023. Based on the prior disciplinary proceedings finding that Schwope committed unprofessional conduct by making sexual comments to a current client, the Board proposes to deny the application.
It is, therefore, the official opinion of the Attorney General that the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure has adequate support for the conclusion that this action advances the State’s policy to uphold standards of professionalism among behavioral practitioners.
ROB JOHNSON
General Counsel
1Under the Board’s rules, “sexual conduct with current . . . clients is prohibited.” OAC 86:10-3-4(c).
