Know Your Regulator: The Podcast that Inspires You to Engage

Navigating the enforcement side of behavioral health licensing can feel like walking through a minefield, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this revealing conversation with Darrel Spinks, Executive Director of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), we pull back the curtain on what happens when complaints are filed against licensed professionals.
Spinks shares the newly revamped complaint process from initial screening through investigation, legal review, and potential hearings. With refreshing candor, he explains that frivolous complaints are dismissed without licensees ever knowing, while revealing that only about 50% of all complaints ultimately result in disciplinary action. This statistic alone should ease the anxiety many professionals feel about regulatory oversight.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Spinks identifies the top five violations that land practitioners in hot water: standard of care issues, sexual misconduct, dual relationships, failure to report, and unprofessional conduct. His practical advice for those under investigation—consult legal counsel, maintain proper documentation, and never ignore communications from regulators—provides a clear roadmap for professionals facing complaints.
Perhaps most valuable is Spinks' guidance on staying compliant. Beyond the expected "read your rules" recommendation, he highlights BHEC's impressive accessibility through monthly "Leadership Listening Hour" sessions and post-meeting webinars where the entire executive team makes themselves available to licensees. His unexpected caution against texting clients or connecting via social media—describing it as a "slippery slope greased with axle grease"—offers a stark warning about modern boundary challenges.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the behavioral health field, this episode delivers practical insights to help you navigate regulatory requirements with confidence. Take advantage of the resources BHEC offers, establish clear communication boundaries, and remember that staying informed is your best defense against potential licensing issues. Ready to become more proactive about protecting your professional license? This conversation is your starting point.

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Visit the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council website! -
https://bhec.texas.gov/

Get more information, details and resources on Know Your Regulator - https://www.belolaw.com/know-your-regulator

Are you a chiropractor looking to protect your professional license? In our latest episode, we sit down with Joseph McLaughlin, General Counsel for the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE), to discuss the complaint process and what every practitioner needs to know. Complaints can arise from various issues, including billing violations, standard of care concerns, and patient record disputes. While the prospect of facing a complaint may seem daunting, most cases are resolved with minimal or no disciplinary action and are often dismissed. Joseph shares valuable insights on best practices, emphasizing the importance of thorough record-keeping and proactive communication with the TBCE to help safeguard your practice.

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the investigation process, giving chiropractors a clearer understanding of what to expect should a complaint arise. Gain key insights into typical complaint outcomes, including letters of warning, required practitioner responses, and the potential consequences of disciplinary actions on future licensing. We also explore the legal options available to chiropractors under investigation.

Stay proactive, informed, and connected to safeguard your future in chiropractic care. Subscribe now and stay informed and ahead of any challenges you may face!

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Joseph McLaughlin currently serves as the general counsel for the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He began his career with the Board in August of 2018 as a staff attorney handling enforcement matters. He has since also practiced in several different areas of administrative law in his time with the TBCE, including public information requests, Open Meeting Act compliance, rulemaking, and providing general legal advice to the Board, chiropractors, and the public. His main goal in helping to create and enforce standards of chiropractic practice in Texas is to promote, preserve, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Texas. When not at work, Joseph enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, pets, and family.

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Visit the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners website: https://www.tbce.state.tx.us/

Get more information, details and resources on Know Your Regulator - https://www.belolaw.com/know-your-regulator

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at the agency that regulates Texas mental health professionals? Executive Director Darrel Spinks pulls back the curtain on the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) - the unique regulatory body overseeing psychologists, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers across the Lone Star State.
Formed through what Spinks calls "the grand bargain," BHEC operates unlike any other Texas regulatory agency. Created following back-to-back sunset reviews, this relatively new agency maintains a delicate balance between professional standards and public protection. While the professional board still exists, BHEC provides crucial oversight through its public-majority council, performing anti-competitive and good governance analyses that keep the system accountable.
For practitioners and aspiring professionals, understanding BHEC's structure isn't just academic - it directly impacts your career. Spinks shares eye-opening insights about common licensing pitfalls that trip up even the most prepared applicants. From failing to research requirements before starting education to the surprisingly common problem of losing access to critical records, these challenges can delay or derail careers. His practical advice? "Maintain your own record set. Don't rely on your schools, don't rely on your supervisors."
The conversation takes a particularly interesting turn when addressing license portability - a growing concern as workforce shortages plague the mental health professions nationwide. Despite Texas desperately needing qualified practitioners, statutory requirements create frustrating barriers for experienced out-of-state providers. Spinks highlights several legislative solutions currently under consideration that could transform how Texas welcomes mental health professionals from other states.
Whether you're already licensed, pursuing licensure, or simply interested in how mental health professions are regulated, this conversation provides invaluable insider perspective. Subscribe now and join us for part two, where we'll explore the enforcement process and how professionals can protect their licenses!

Get more information, details and resources on Know Your Regulator - https://www.belolaw.com/know-your-regulator

Uncover the intricate layers of a scandal that has shaken the Texas education system to its core. Join hosts Cimone Murphree and MJ Hooper, as they sit down to dissect the 2024 teacher certification fraud scandal with Tony Bertolino, managing partner of the Bertolino Law Firm.(https://www.belolaw.com/)
This episode unfolds an eye-opening exploration of how flawed oversight and certification processes within the Texas Education Agency (TEA) allowed unqualified individuals to infiltrate classrooms. Discover the vulnerabilities in TEA's review systems that were deftly exploited by sophisticated bad actors, raising questions about the agency's capability to enforce compliance and protect students effectively.
Gain insight into why it took so long for the scandal to be addressed, despite warning signs appearing as early as 2020. Tony Bertolino provides expert perspective on the complex interplay between regulatory bodies and law enforcement that may have delayed action, exacerbating the situation. This discussion not only questions the adequacy of current safeguards but also emphasizes the urgent need for reform to restore integrity to the education system. As we examine the breakdowns that led to this unprecedented situation, we also highlight the critical steps required to prevent such a crisis from occurring again. Don’t miss this discussion! Know Your Regulator, the podcast that inspires you to engage.

Get more information, details and resources on Know Your Regulator - https://www.belolaw.com/know-your-regulator

A misdemeanor conviction doesn't have to derail your professional career, but understanding how licensing boards evaluate your history is crucial. Attorney LaJuana Acklin joins Cimone Murphree to demystify the complex relationship between criminal records and professional licensing.
The conversation tackles a widespread misconception – that only felonies matter when it comes to professional licensing. LaJuana explains how boards like the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation evaluate criminal history through the lens of public protection. She identifies four categories of misdemeanors that consistently raise concerns: offenses involving dishonesty, crimes of moral turpitude, DWIs/DUIs, and possession of controlled substances. Each category potentially reveals character traits that might compromise a professional's ability to serve the public safely.
LaJuana offers valuable insights about timing, rehabilitation, and disclosure requirements. She emphasizes that boards consider both when the offense occurred and the applicant's age at the time, recognizing that people grow and mature. Perhaps her most emphatic advice centers on honesty – failing to disclose a misdemeanor when asked can lead to accusations of material misrepresentation, potentially resulting in worse consequences than the original offense would have caused. With many boards receiving real-time arrest information through fingerprint databases, attempts at concealment are not just unethical but futile.
For professionals navigating this challenging terrain, the episode provides practical resources and strategies. Some agencies offer preliminary eligibility determinations for a nominal fee before you invest in education or application fees. Most importantly, consulting with an attorney experienced in professional licensing can help you understand your specific situation and present your case in the best possible light.
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Check out the Pre-Licensing Eligibility resources below! -

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR):
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimhistoryeval.htm

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC):
https://bhec.texas.gov/forms-and-publications/

Texas Medical Board (TMB):
https://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/licensing-criminal-history

Learn more about obtaining a Criminal History Evaluation Letter from your governing agency:
https://www.belolaw.com/blog/what-is-a-criminal-history-evaluation-letter/
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Get more information, details and resources on Know Your Regulator - https://www.belolaw.com/know-your-regulator