The Iowa Board of Social Work has taken action in the case of a Red Oak woman whose license was inactive, but sought to have it reactivated.

In documents posted today (Wednesday) on the board’s website, the Board on May 9^th, agree to reactivate the social worker Ava Dorrance’s license, with the stipulation it be placed on indefinite probation for a minimum of three-years from the date her license is reinstated. Dorrance’s license to practice social work was issued in Iowa on November 21^st, 1989, but it has been inactive since December 31^st, 2006.

In the consent agreement, the Board says Dorrance holds a Clinical Social Worker license in the State of Illinois, but in December 2006, that State’s Department of Financial and Profession Regulation suspended her license for “engaging in unprofessional conduct by having a social relationship with a former patient.” her license was reinstated in Illinois, on May 7^th, 2010, with the understanding the woman would be on indefinite probation for a minimum of three-years, that she was not to engage in solo practice as a clinical social worker, and that she must work in a multi-disciplinary setting, under the direct supervision of a licensed clinical social worker.

The consent agreement reached in Iowa last week imposes the same conditions as those enacted by the State of Illinois, and, among other things, orders Dorrance to continue weekly psychotherapy sessions, along with the continuation of her medications as prescribed by her physician.

The proposed agreement is subject to the approval of the full IBSW Board. If they fail to approve it, the terms will not be enforced.