Background Checks Through Department of Professional Licensing

Many jobs in the professional business world require there to be some sort of licensing process proving the legitimacy of the individual holding that title. Licensed professionals are usually in a position of power in some way, and are typically regarded as an authoritative figure. The purpose of licensing is to protect individuals from the false claims of others. These liars merely claim to be professional, in an attempt to exploit or manipulate.

These issues were recently highlighted in the by Arturo Tenorio, a 57 year-old Kearns man who claimed to be a marriage counselor and therapist. Tenorio was recently charged in 3rd District Court with two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony, after two separate women reported "inappropriate touching" to police, said Midvale police detective Jacob Cutright.

It was reported that the two women -- who came in individually and did not know each other previously - shared "very similar" experiences. In each instance, their first few sessions involved both husband and wife. Tenorio then said he needed to meet with the spouses separately. Many of Tenorio's clients were referred to him through religious affiliations Cutright said. "He told the bishops he is a marriage counselor." However, Tenorio was not a licensed therapist, and his clients did not verify his license.

The situation that these women were in is a dangerous reality. One way you can protect yourself or a loved one form such fraudulent claims is to check if the professional you are using is properly licensed. Simply go to www.dopl.utah.gov and click on the "Verify a License" link. This will allow you to check and see if a license exists based on name and field that you are looking for such as therapists, physicians, counselors, medical facilities, etc. There are several other areas you can also investigate, such as being able to view any complaints or disciplinary actions that may have taken place against a professional license holder.