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Under investigation by the Michigan Board of Psychology: stages, timeline and your rights

5 min read · Updated July 2026

Being told you are under investigation by the Michigan Board of Psychology is unsettling, but the process moves through defined stages, on a partly fixed timeline, and with real rights along the way. Understanding the sequence — from the authorization to investigate through the compliance conference to a hearing — removes much of the fear that comes with the unknown. Here are the stages, the timeline, and your rights.

What triggers a Michigan Board of Psychology investigation?

An investigation begins when the department, after reviewing a written allegation, finds a reasonable basis to believe a violation exists. Crucially, the department cannot simply investigate on its own initiative: it needs the authorization of a panel of at least three board members, including the chair.

The allegation may come from a client, a colleague, an employer, or another agency, or it may arrive as a mandatory report such as a criminal conviction or out-of-state discipline. Whatever the source, a clear contemporaneous record is the foundation of a defensible case.

What are the stages of the process?

The process moves through recognisable stages: intake review of the allegation; authorization and investigation by the Investigations and Inspections Division; issuance of an administrative complaint with your 30-day window to respond; a compliance conference to attempt settlement; and, if no settlement is reached, a hearing before an administrative law judge followed by a decision of the Disciplinary Subcommittee.

Not every case travels the full length of this path. Many are closed at intake or investigation, and many others resolve at the compliance-conference stage without a contested hearing.

How long does a Michigan psychology investigation take?

Michigan builds a partial clock into the process. Under MCL 333.16231, within 90 days after an investigation is initiated, the department must take action — such as issuing a complaint or closing the case — with the possibility of a single written 30-day extension.

That 90-day window applies to the investigation phase, not the whole matter. Once a complaint is issued, the compliance conference, any hearing, and the Disciplinary Subcommittee's decision add further time, so a contested case can still run many months to more than a year.

What are your rights during the investigation?

You have meaningful rights throughout. You may be represented by counsel at every stage. You are entitled to receive the administrative complaint and to submit a written response within 30 days. You may take part in a compliance conference to negotiate a resolution, and if the matter is not resolved you are entitled to a hearing before an administrative law judge.

You also have confidentiality protections during the investigation, and — importantly — a right of appeal from a final decision. These rights are most effective when exercised early and with advice.

What is the compliance conference?

The compliance conference is a distinctive and important feature of the Michigan process. Held under the Administrative Procedures Act, it is a meeting at which the department and the licensee — usually with the licensee's attorney — attempt to negotiate a settlement. A board member who is not on the Disciplinary Subcommittee may attend to assist.

If an agreement is reached, it is put into a written settlement or a stipulation and final order and submitted to the Disciplinary Subcommittee for approval — the DSC must approve any settlement before it becomes binding. If no agreement is reached, or the DSC rejects it, the case proceeds to a hearing.

Can your license be suspended before a hearing?

In most cases, no — a psychologist continues to practise while an investigation proceeds. But under MCL 333.16233(5), the department can summarily suspend a license before a hearing where it concludes, in consultation with the Board chair, that the public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action. An administrative hearing is then scheduled promptly on petition.

Summary suspension is reserved for the most serious situations, such as credible allegations of sexual misconduct or impairment endangering clients. A psychologist served with one should obtain counsel the same day.

How do investigations end?

An investigation ends in one of several ways: the department closes the case; the matter is resolved by a settlement approved by the Disciplinary Subcommittee; the case proceeds to a hearing and a DSC decision; or, where impairment is the issue, it may be addressed through the Health Professional Recovery Program.

Whatever the route, the department and the DSC respond well to evidence of insight and remediation. A psychologist who has already reflected, undertaken relevant education, and adjusted their practice presents very differently from one who has not.

This article is general information for psychologists, not legal advice. Regulatory processes change and every case turns on its own facts — confirm current requirements with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the Board of Psychology, and your own attorney before acting.