SALT LAKE CITY — Utah regulators have formed a specialized task force aimed at addressing sexual misconduct complaints involving licensed professionals and strengthening protections for victims.
The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) announced the initiative this week, saying the task force will review current laws, enforcement procedures and reporting systems to identify gaps and improve how allegations are handled.
“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,” said 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 concentrate on professions that historically receive the highest number of sexual misconduct complaints, including health care, mental health services and massage therapy.
Members will include representatives from victim advocacy groups, law enforcement and professional associations, with the goal of ensuring a survivor-centered approach to investigations and enforcement.
“As regulators, it is our fundamental duty to protect the public from bad actors who violate the trust built into their professional roles,” said Jana Johansen, assistant director of DOPL and chair of the task force.
Officials say the group will focus on several key initiatives, including developing a “Unified Inter-Agency Protocol” to standardize how state agencies share and cross-reference misconduct reports.
The task force also plans to create a digital “Survivor Resource Map” designed to help victims navigate criminal, civil and administrative options when reporting sexual misconduct.
Additional goals include implementing public awareness initiatives — such as mandatory training for licensed professionals and state agencies — and compiling recommendations for potential statutory changes.
DOPL officials said resources and tools created by the task force will be shared publicly through the agency’s News & Resources page, and updates affecting licensed professionals will be distributed directly to license holders by email.
The announcement comes as several high-profile cases involving licensed professionals accused of sexual misconduct have drawn attention across Utah.
In Logan and Cache Valley, prosecutors recently filed dozens of sexual abuse charges against a former chiropractor accused of misconduct involving multiple patients over several years. Court records show the defendant remains in custody as investigators continue reviewing additional allegations.
State officials say the new task force is intended to strengthen oversight and accountability in regulated professions while improving resources for survivors who report abuse.