At this time there are no background checks being done on anyone that applies for a license or certificate for a therapist or counselor. They can hire anyone with criminal records because all that is in place right now is asking the applicant if they have ever been convicted. Well, we all know that most poeple aren't going to admit to having a criminal record and if there is not anybody checking on them then they are not going to tell you the truth as you won't find out. Lynettes Law of Maryland brought HB56 bill to them and it was passed. They fought hard to get it there. Although, it was changed some to the advantage of the Boards. The law reads that starting in 2015 they must do background checks but it doesn't state that they have to deny anyone if they do have a criminal record. I don't understand why this is hard to understand. Why would anyone want to have a criminal treating clients? The State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists does have a choice to put this law into effect now and start checking on backgrounds of all licensee's but do you think they will do it? If they really cared about what is going on to the clients then they would act fast and put this into place. Why would they want to put criminals in the field and allow them to hurt others? In my eyes with them not doing anything about it, they are just as guilty as the predator and maybe more so. They allowed this to happen to you. They allowed criminals to obtain licenses to practice therapy. They turned their eyes on the clients. Hold them responsible and fight to have them put this law into effect now. Here is a link to the law. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2013RS/fnotes/bil_0006/hb0056.pdf
