Welcome to the Board of Psychology

What is a Citation & Fine Order?

A citation and fine order is an alternative means by which the Board of Psychology can take an enforcement action against a licensed or unlicensed individual who is found to be in violation of the Psychology Licensing Law. The citation and fine program increases the effectiveness of the Board's disciplinary process by providing a method to more effectively address relatively minor violations which normally would not warrant more serious license discipline in order to protect the public. Citations and fine orders are not formal disciplinary actions, but they are matters of public record. A list of citable violations and the range of fines associated with each can be found in the California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 13.1, Article 9, Section 1397.50.

A citation and fine order typically contains a description of the violation, an Order of Abatement which directs the subject to discontinue the illegal activity, a fine (based on the gravity of the violation, intent of the subject, and the history of previous violations), and procedures for appeal. Payment of a fine does not constitute an admission of the violation charged, but serves as a satisfactory resolution of the citation and fine order.

Below is the process after a citation and fine order is issued:
  • a. Pay fine/comply with Order of Abatement and case is closed.
  • b. Request informal conference if you feel citation and fine is unwarranted or there are mitigating circumstances.
  • c. New citation issued-pay fine/comply with order (if applicable) and case is closed.
  • d. Request formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (if dissatisfied with new citation).
  • e. Initiate the appeal process (if dissatisfied with formal hearing results).

Since the beginning of the Board's citation and fine program on April 26, 1996, the Board has issued nine citations. Usually the Board issues an informal warning before a citation and fine order is issued. If the warning results in the discontinuance of the illegal behavior, there is no need for a subsequent citation and fine order.

A copy of the Laws and Regulations Relating to the Practice of Psychology, which contain the regulations relating to the citation and fine program, is available by sending a written request to the Board of Psychology, 2005 Evergreen Street, Ste. 1400, Sacramento, CA 95815, accompanied by a check payable to the Board of Psychology in the amount of $6. The laws and regulations also are accessible through the Board's web site (www.psychboard.ca.gov).