What does the term "license revocation" mean?

The term "license revocation" refers to the permanent loss of a professional license, meaning that the individual is no longer authorized to practice their profession. This action usually occurs due to serious violations of laws or ethical guidelines governing the profession. When a license is revoked, the professional must go through a formal process to attempt to regain it, if it is possible at all, which can be quite rigorous and often involves demonstrating a commitment to adhere to the standards of the profession.

Understanding the distinction between revocation and other disciplinary actions, such as a temporary suspension or probation, is crucial for professionals to recognize the severity of their ethical and legal obligations. A temporary suspension indicates that an individual could return to practice following a set period or upon meeting specific conditions, while a probationary license allows a practitioner to continue working under certain restrictions.

License revocation, on the other hand, represents a definitive and serious consequence that can have a lasting impact on a practitioner's career and ability to work in their field. It serves as a significant measure by licensing boards to uphold standards and protect the public from unqualified or unethical practitioners.