What best describes the difference between probation and license suspension?

• A. Probation allows practice with restrictions; suspension bars practice
• B. They are identical
• C. Suspension allows practice; probation bans practice
• D. Both involve fines

Answer: (A)

What this item tests is the difference in whether a practitioner may keep working under constraints versus being barred from practicing. Probation means the license stays active, but practice is allowed only under specific conditions chosen by the licensing board—things like supervision, restricted procedures, required reporting, additional education, or other monitoring. The clinician continues to treat patients, but under oversight to ensure safety and compliance.

License suspension, in contrast, temporarily removes the right to practice for a set period or until certain terms are met. During suspension no patient care is allowed, and the license is effectively inactive until reinstatement conditions are satisfied.

So the key distinction is practice with restrictions under probation versus no practice at all during suspension. The other options miss this fundamental contrast.