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Board accepts amended settlement with Lawrence Ford; license reprimanded, fine and probation ordered
Summary
The Florida board approved a modified settlement in the disciplinary case of Lawrence Ford, issuing a reprimand, a $4,000 administrative fine, continuing-education requirements, a two-year probation with monitoring, and removing his qualified‑supervisor designation for the probation period.
The Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling approved an amended settlement in the disciplinary matter of licensee Lawrence Ford, issuing a formal reprimand and requirements intended to address practice shortfalls.
Under the approved settlement, Ford’s license was reprimanded and he must pay an administrative fine of $4,000 within one year. He must complete 43 hours of continuing education within 120 days: 8 hours on dual relationships, 8 hours on boundary issues, 8 hours on ethics, 8 hours on substance abuse, 8 hours on suicide assessment/prevention, and 3 hours on laws and rules. The board placed Ford’s license on probation for two years with 50% record review monitoring. Probation may be terminated after one year but requires board approval; early termination is not automatic. Ford must also pay $4,000 in costs within one year.
Board members discussed whether Ford should retain the designation that allows him to serve as a qualified supervisor for interns. Members proposed and carried a counteroffer amending the settlement to remove Ford’s qualified‑supervisor status for the period of his probation (a temporary restriction tied to the probationary term). The amended settlement was adopted by vote and a final order will be issued consistent with the terms the board approved.
Board staff noted the settlement was reached after respondent elected a formal hearing but subsequently agreed to the settlement terms. The board accepted the investigative report and the written materials submitted by counsel in support of the settlement.
The board’s action was procedural: it accepted a negotiated settlement with an added restriction on supervision to address public‑protection concerns while allowing the licensee to continue practicing under monitored conditions.
