Richard Pierson, Executive Director
State Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors
101 NE 51st Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
Re: Hazen, Complaint No. 641-0124
Dear Executive Director Pierson:
This office has received your request for a written Attorney General Opinion regarding action that the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (“Board”) intends to take with respect to complaint 641-0124.
The Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors Act (“Act”) provides the Board with jurisdiction to “[i]nitiate disciplinary, prosecution and injunctive proceedings against any person . . . who violates any of the provisions of the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors Act, or any rule promulgated or order issued pursuant thereto[.]” 59 O.S. § 1875(9). The Act further authorizes the Board to revoke the license of a person who has “[e]ngaged in unprofessional conduct as defined by rules promulgated by the Board” and “[e]ngaged in negligence or wrongful actions in the performance of his or her duties[.]” 59 O.S. § 1881(A)(6-7). Finally, the Act allows the Board to assess an administrative penalty for any person who violates any provision of the Act. 59 O.S. § 1881(D).
In September 2023, Respondent admitted to engaging in an inappropriate dual relationship with a drug-court client. This included both professional interactions, such as performing assessments and attending drug-court staffing meetings, as well as personal interactions, including giving rides to the client. Furthermore, Respondent admitted to engaging in a sexual encounter with the client. While the Respondent denied that the relationship was romantic, the client confirmed the sexual encounter.
Finding clear and convincing evidence of grounds for discipline under 59 O.S. § 1881(A)(6-7), the Board proposes to revoke Respondent’s license for two years, impose an administrative penalty of $2,000.00, and require payment of investigation costs amounting to $528.75. Respondent must personally appear before the Board for consideration of any license application made to the Board after this two-year revocation period, The Board may reasonably believe that the proposed action is necessary to deter future violations and to protect the public.
It is, therefore, the official opinion of the Attorney General that the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors has adequate support for the conclusion that this action advances the State’s policy to uphold standards of professionalism among licensed alcohol and drug counselors.
Cheryl Dixon
Deputy General Counsel
