Been in town for yr now and this subject recently came up from a very lovely local lady. She had forgotten granting permission to me to allow at least one other local lady to call her and vouch for me.  She called in a huff, I was caught off-guard and was profusively apologetic. After the call, I found email authorization where lady one (one of these most awesome ladies i've met) gave me the thumbs up to do exactly what I did.  All this brings up the question of what is the local custom and practice generally in this regard?

ReC etiquette: Referrals

Send the lady a quick e-mail note when you use her as a referral.  That way she knows the call is legit and not the LE trying to trap her.  I have found that they always appreciate the quick heads up.