Utah Takes a Stand Against Sexual Misconduct in Licensed Professions

Utah’s Department of Commerce’s Division of Professional Licensing forms a specialized task force to address sexual misconduct reports.

SALT LAKE CITY–The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) announced the formation of a task force to tackle the rise of sexual misconduct complaints against professional license holders.

“The misuse of a professional license to perpetrate sexual misconduct is not just a grave violation of individual trust; it is a profound betrayal of the public’s confidence in our professions,” says Margaret Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce. “These heinous acts inflict profound harm to victims and damage the reputations of entire industries. This task force is our unequivocal declaration: Utah will hold licensed professionals accountable to protect our communities and the integrity of state-regulated industries.”

The task force will focus on professions that have historically received the highest percentage of sexual misconduct complaints: healthcare, mental health, and massage therapy. To ensure a survivor-centered approach, the group comprises stakeholders from various sectors, including victim advocacy, law enforcement, and professional associations.

“As regulators, it is our fundamental duty to protect the public from bad actors who violate the trust built into their professional roles,” says task force chair and DOPL Assistant Director, Jana Johansen.

The task force will review current laws and procedures to pinpoint gaps and ensure a survivor-centered approach. Several of the task force’s goals include:

• Development of a “Unified Inter-Agency Protocol” that standardizes the process for sharing and cross-referencing reports among state agencies.
• Creation of a “Survivor Resource Map,” a digital, sequential resource to help survivors navigate available criminal, civil, and administrative options.
• Implementation of public awareness initiatives, such as mandatory training for licensed professionals and state agencies.
• Compilation of a list of recommended statutory changes.

DOPL will share resources and tools that result from the task force on its News & Resources page and announce changes that directly impact licensed professions to licensees via email. 

About the Utah Division of Professional Licensing: The Utah Division of Professional Licensing is one of 12 divisions/offices within the Utah Department of Commerce. Its mission is strengthening trust in Utah’s professional workforce through effective licensing, balanced regulation, and consumer engagement to facilitate informed decisions. Consumers can find more information and submit complaints at dopl.utah.gov.

Media Contact:
Melanie Hall
Communications Director
Utah Department of Commerce
Cell: 385-290-0719
[email protected]