Abuse of Power

Ministers, Doctors, Therapists, Lawyers, and Cops

As illustrated by the news articles below, multiple allegations are often brought forward when therapists, doctors, lawyers, or clergy (priest, pastor, minister, rabbi, etc.) are accused of sexual misconduct.

Online reader comments demonstrate deep confusion in the community: some people are quick to "blame the victim" while others rush to defend the alleged perpetrator.

Several recent news articles and editorials also suggest that disciplinary action by state licensing boards is frequently inadequate when it comes to investigation and sanction of misconduct by licensed professionals.

Sexual exploitation of subordinates in institutional settings such as the military and prison cases cited below, appears to be coming to the surface in recent years.

Multiple Allegations

News articles containing allegations of multiple victims of sexual exploitation in the context of professional relationships of "fiduciary duty."

Faiz Ahmed

Richard Abshire. "Mesquite doctor accused of inappropriate touching faces new charge." The Dallas Morning News (July 18, 2008).
A Mesquite neurologist (Faiz Ahmed) prohibited from seeing female patients in the past because of accusations of inappropriate touching is facing a criminal charge after a young mother made a similar allegation . . .

Victor Arellano

Pat Schneider. "Lawyer under fire: Three women accuse high-profile lawyer Victor Arellano of professional misconduct." The Capitol Times (December 21, 2007).
Figueroa's grievance accuses Arellano of starting a romantic and sexual relationship with her after he began representing her . . . Such a relationship would violate state rules for attorney conduct.

Two other former clients . . . have filed grievances . . . Both, like Figueroa, became romantically involved with Arellano at vulnerable points in their lives, and they say once the romance soured, Arellano used what he knew about them against them in court . . .

Barry Bailey

"Jury awards women $3.7 million in Barry Bailey civil trial." Worldwide Faith News archives (January 20, 1997).
Jurors awarded more than $3.7 million Jan. 17 to seven of eight women who accused former United Methodist pastor Barry Bailey of sexual misconduct … Most of the women were church employees or members.

Matt Baker

Bob Allen. "Former pastor plans to appeal murder conviction." Associated Baptist Press (January 26, 2010).
Earlier in the trial, prosecutors said they had evidence of at least 13 women who claimed Baker made improper sexual advances toward them between 1991 and 2006. [http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/4767/53/]

Michael Stephen Baker

John Spano. "State law violates gays' rights, ex-priest says: Michael Stephen Baker, who was defrocked in 2000 and faces trial on molestation charges, contends it's easier to prosecute homosexuals." Los Angeles Times (March 8, 2007).
Baker is awaiting trial on 13 charges of molesting the two boys from 1994 to 1998. … [Baker's lawyer, Donald H. Steier] suggested that Baker's victims consented to the contacts …

John Bennison

Dan Noyes. "Priest can't escape history of sexual misconduct." ABC7News (May 25, 2006).
… Bennison had sex with other vulnerable women he met at St. Mark's, including a 35-year-old mother of three going through a divorce … The behavior continued at his next job at All Saints by the Sea in Santa Barbara with a 21-year-old who went to Bennison for marriage counseling.

John Bussmann

"Bussmann found guilty of sexual misconduct." Star News (February 26, 2008).
On Tuesday, Feb. 12 inside a Hennepin County District Court room, John Bussmann was found guilty of using his position to have sex with vulnerable female parishioners . . .

Peter Chi

Associated Press. "More women accuse doctor in Tracy of molestation." The Sacramento Bee (April 13, 2009).
San Joaquin County prosecutors filed a revised criminal complaint Monday accusing 46-year-old Peter Chi of molesting 64 women.

Brian A. Chigbue

Candace Rondeaux. "Doctor (Brian A. Chigbue) charged in sex assaults on two patients." Washington Post (December 7, 2007).
A doctor has been charged with sexually assaulting two female patients in his Capitol Heights office this year, police said yesterday.

Fernando Cordero

Samantha Yale Scroggin. "Cordero gets seven years in prison." Santa Maria Times (August 15, 2009).
A former Santa Barbara County psychologist convicted of sexual battery, sexual exploitation and dissuading a witness was sentenced Friday to the maximum possible term - seven years in state prison.

Carina Corral. "Santa Barbara County psychologist accused of rape pleads not guilty." KSBY 6 Action News (November 21, 2007).
A doctor trusted by the county of Santa Barbara answers to rape charges . . . Cordero's charged with eight sexual assault counts: seven felonies and one misdemeanor. His alleged victims are two of his former patients. Now, a third victim has come forward . . .

Neal Destefano

Matt Kelley. "Misconduct rate high among Navy chaplains." Seattle Post Intelligencer (July 5, 2003).
Lt. Jon Spiers, a chaplain corps spokesman … acknowledged only one case … that of Neal Destefano, sentenced to five years in prison in 1994 for drugging and molesting two Marines.

Raoul Deveau

Eva Hoare. "Second suit against priest is revealed: Woman claims Father Raoul Deveau sexually abused and battered her." The Chronicle Herald (January 6, 2010).

Terry Farney

Karen Shideler. "Chiropractor accused of sexual misconduct." The Wichita Eagle (April 3, 2008). See article on sexual misconduct by chiropractors below.
The Board of Healing Arts petition alleges that Farney inappropriately touched the genital areas of five patients who ranged in age from 11 to 50 . . .

Willie Fuller

Scott Bass. "VCU files not part of sex charges against campus cop (Willie Fuller)." Style Weekly (April 7, 2009).

Tobias Gabriel

"Synagogue settles sex suit." East York-Riverdale The Mirror (October 18, 2007).
A Midtown Toronto synagogue has settled out of court with two women who accused a rabbi (Tobias Gabriel) at the place of worship of sexual misconduct . . . the settlement does not include any admission of liability or fault . . .

Michael Clair Garvey

Ann Rodgers. "Jefferson County pastor still ministering despite molestation charges: United Methodist reverend, awaiting trial since August 2007, serves at two churches." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (March 22, 2009).
(Michael Clair Garvey) was arrested for molesting two clients and a counselor at Brookville Behavioral Health . . .

Douglas Geenens

Tim Carpenter. "Psychiatrist has pushed professional boundaries: Half a dozen complaints have been leveled in 5 years." The Capital-Journal (March 27, 2008).
. . . Geenens has been punished one time by the board for "unprofessional conduct" -- a seven-day suspension of his medical license for engaging in the relationship with Jacobs' wife . . . Jacobs said Geenens bragged that a member of the healing arts board secretly promised him the board wouldn't hand down a severe punishment. . . a former Geenens patient now living in Johnson County said the psychiatrist deployed a potent cocktail of drugs and persuasion on her . . . See also reader comments on this story.

Narandra Gupta

"Johns Creek Doctor (Narandra Gupta) accused of sexual battery." WSBTV (April 1, 2009).
One other alleged victim, a 28-year-old woman, has come forward as well. Police said there may be more victims.

Dennis Hawk

Kenneth Woodward and Patricia King. "Churches confront sexual predators." Newsweek (August 28, 1989).
… a minister in the conservative Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod … managed to conduct affairs with 16 women during his tenure …

Paul Ines

"Official notice regarding Father Paul Ines." Diocese of Scranton News Briefs (November 6, 2008).
Father Ines had been serving in the Diocese of Scranton but was removed from ministry in December 2005 because of inappropriate relationships with adults.

James Jacobson

Associated Press. "Priest admits in deposition to father[ing] children." Seattle Times (March 3, 2007).
A priest being sued for child support has admitted to fathering children, carrying on affairs and hiring prostitutes, according to a deposition filed with the court . . . Jacobson testified that he didn't recall having sex with one of the women who had his child but because of the test results, didn't doubt it happened . . . He said he believes he had sexual relations with seven women when he was a priest as various Western Alaska villages, according to the deposition . . .

Harley Michael Keough

"Pastor charged with sexual battery." WCNC (November 14, 2009).
… the crimes involve five women between the ages of 23 and 46.

Peter LaFuria

"Gynecologist accused of molesting juveniles: Gynecologist's charges involve juveniles, photographing patients." Dallas News (August 18, 2007).
The indictments against Dr. Peter LaFuria include 186 counts of video voyeurism and 78 counts of sexual battery, in addition to the molestation counts.

John Thomas Matthew Lee

Andrew Tilghman and Chris Amos. "Lawyer: Priest (John Thomas Matthew Lee) will plead guilty to sex charges." Navy Times (December 5, 2007).
An HIV-positive Catholic Navy chaplain plans to plead guilty Thursday to charges involving sexual misconduct with an unspecified number of men . . .

Fernando Lugo

Jeremy McDermott. "Paraguay's 'red bishop' president faces paternity tests: Fernando Lugo, Paraguay's President and a former Roman Catholic Bishop, is facing paternity tests after three women claimed that he fathered their children." Telegraph (April 23, 2009).

Jacob A. Max

Nick Madigan. "Women tell of abuse by rabbi: Long silence broken with accounts of mistreatment by synogogue's [sic] founder." The Baltimore Sun (October 4, 2009).
News of the conviction prompted five other women to share with The Baltimore Sun their own allegations of improper advances by the rabbi.

James F. McCarthy

Daniel J. Wakin. "Past adviser to Cardinal O'Connor resigns after admitting to affairs." New York Times (June 12, 2002).
The bishop, James F. McCarthy, 59, told church officials about the affairs after he was confronted with a letter that the archdiocese received on Saturday, said Joseph Zwilling, the archdiocese spokesman.

Robert V. Meffan

Sacha Pfeiffer. "He invoked religion for sexual acts." Boston Globe (December 4, 2002).
Meffan admitted it was true, and said he still believes his sexual relationships with teenage girls were "beautiful, spiritual" experiences intended to bring young people closer to God.

Edward Moran

Laurence Hammack. "Woman says church warned: A Covington woman says if the Catholic Church had heeded her warnings, a second woman would not have been victimized." The Roanoke Times (August 21, 2005).
The woman who made the allegation against the Rev. Edward C. Moran said the church promised her that he would never lead another parish . . . Earlier this year, Moran was leading another parish - and facing another allegation of sexual misconduct . . .

John Nolin

Annmarie Timmins. "Priest accused of abuse defrocked: Nolin served Lakeport, Penacook parishes." Concord Monitor (January 27, 2007).
… the diocese had a history of confronting Nolin about his sexual affairs with adult women, according to church records.

Kallambella Ramesh

"Georgia Doctor accused of sexual battery: Dr. Kallambella C. Ramesh faces six charges." WSBTV (September 11, 2008).

Constance Reynolds

Mike Stark. "Law judge says psychologist should lose license." Billings Gazette.com (December 29, 2003).
A Billings psychologist should lose her state license because of her inappropriate relationships with clients. . . Gregory L. Hanchett, a hearings examiner for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, said Constance Reynolds violated several state administrative rules and professional standards, including one that prohibits a sexual relationship between a therapist and a client. . . "

Raymond Russomanno

Nate Schweber. "Doctor (Raymond P. Russomanno) accused of sex abuse may face additional charges." New York Times (August 29, 2007).
A New Jersey doctor facing charges that he sexually abused 10 women in his care may have abused more patients, an official who had been briefed on the case said on Tuesday . . .

John Schroll

Tim Carpenter. "Gynecologist accused of inappropriate comments, touching." The Capital-Journal (March 29, 2008).
. . . It wasn't the first time Schroll had made a suggestive remark to Eddy during a clinic visit. And, as Eddy later discovered, she was among a long line of women who were recipients of the doctor's pickup lines . . . The Eddys were told to let it go . . . See also reader comments on this story.

Jordan Vernon

"New rape charge to be filed against former church volunteer." KTVB (January 7, 2010).
Post Falls Police confirm they will seek an additional felony charge against a former church youth leader … He is accused of having sex with the 14-year-old in 2007, and sex with 17-year-old as recently as this year.

Charles Weisman

"Suspended: A Staunton doctor (Charles Weisman) has temporarily lost his license amid allegations of sexual misconduct and possible drug abuse." NBC29 (August 18, 2009).
Weisman is accused of having sexual relations with several patients . . .

Military cases

Helen Benedict. "The Scandal of Military Rape." Ms. Magazine (Fall 2008).
In 2007, the Department of Veteran's Affairs reported that 20 percent of female veterans seen at its facilities nationwide said they had been raped or sexually assaulted [by fellow soldiers or superiors] while serving … the Department of Defense admits on its website that 80 percent of rapes in the military are not reported because women (and the men who are raped, too) fear ostracism, punishment and loss of careers. The rate of sexual assault and rape in the military is at least twice as high as it is among civilians.

Dan Ephron. "Questionable conduct: Chaplains, sexual abuse and what the military knows." Newsweek (December 24, 2007).
During 11 years in the military, Lee sexually abused at least three men, according to his own admission … In a disturbing twist, Lee is HIV-positive …

Ward Sanderson. "War in the chaplain corps: The cross and the anchor." Stars and Stripes Sunday Magazine (December 7, 2003).
An internal Navy report requested by then-Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig shows that from 1994 through 1999, the less than 900 naval chaplains had more cases of misconduct than the entire Navy unrestricted line community …

Matt Kelley. "Catholic sex abuse scandal widens in military." The Arizona Republic (October 12, 2003). Article available on BishopAccountability AbuseTracker archive.
Sexual misconduct by military chaplains is not unique to the Catholic Church. A 1999 Navy study obtained by the AP, for example, found that 19 chaplains from 12 denominations had been punished for sexual misconduct between 1994 and 1999.

Matt Kelley. "Misconduct rate high among Navy chaplains." Seattle Post Intelligencer (July 5, 2003).
The previously undisclosed documents detail offenses, including adultery, spousal assault and sexual harassment, that were so pervasive that in 1999, then-Navy Secretary Richard Danzig ordered a new training and oversight program to ensure that the Navy's nearly 870 chaplains met high moral standards.

Steve Myers and Kristen Campbell. "Woman pursues report on former Mobile priest: Susan Archibald accuses the Rev. Patrick L. Nicholson of seducing her into an exploitative sexual relationship." Mobile Register (February 15, 2003). Available on the AbuseTracker website archive.
At the time, he was a 37-year-old captain, ordained in his native Ireland, and she was an 18-year-old cadet from rural Wisconsin.

Prison and Law Enforcement Cases

Department of Justice Statistics on Rape in Prisons

U.S. Department of Justice. Office of Justice Programs. Bureau of Justice Statistics. "PREA Data Collection Activities, 2009." (August 3, 2009).
The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) (P.L. 108-79) requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) to carry out, for each calendar year, a comprehensive statistical review and analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape.

News articles on rape in prisons

Carrie Johnson. "U.S. likely to miss deadline on prison rape rules." NPR (June 3, 2010).
"Regardless of what crime someone may have committed, rape is not part of the penalty," says Lovisa Stannow, who advocates for prisoners' rights. … The Justice Department's own studies suggest that more than 60,000 prisoners report sexual assaults each year. Another study found that 12 percent of juveniles in custody fall victim to rape. Too often, guards are the ones committing the crimes.

Editorial. "It's up to you, Mr. Holder." New York Times (May 31, 2010).
The commission's report makes for disturbing reading. It estimated that in a year's time, at least 60,000 prisoners were raped.

Nicholas D. Kristof. "Kids in Crisis (Behind Bars)." New York Times (January 28, 2010).
… the new survey [by the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission] suggests that the biggest predators are not other inmates but prison staff, and female staff members offend as much as the males do. … Reggie Walton, a federal judge in the District of Columbia who led the prison rape commission, said that the figures may even be an undercount because of the stigma of rape.

Associated Press. "Report: Sex abuse high at 13 juvenile centers." National Public Radio (January 7, 2010).
Nationwide about 12 percent of youths held in state-run, privately run, or local facilities reported some type of sexual victimization … About 10 percent of youths surveyed reported abuse involving facility staff people … the prevalence of sexual abuse by staff, particularly female workers, was shocking, said Linda McFarlane, deputy executive director of Just Detention International …

"NOPD officer accused of sexual assault: Area officer[s] accused of sexual assault twice in one week." WDSU.com (November 6, 2009).

Lisa Freeman and Dori Lewis, lawyers with the Prisoners' Rights Project of the Legal Aid Society. "Letters to the editor: Abuse of female prisoners." New York Times (September 24, 2009).
We sued on behalf of female prisoners in the New York State prison system who reported that they had been sexually assaulted by staff members . . .

Editorial. "Sexual abuse behind bars." Washington Post (September 15, 2009).
The men and women charged with ensuring an orderly and safe environment behind bars too often use their positions to sexually abuse prisoners. So concludes a recently released report from the Justice Department Office of Inspector General . . .

Editorial. "Prisoner's rights." New York Times (September 24, 2009).
In the last Congress, Representative Robert Scott, Democrat of Virginia, sponsored the Prison Abuse Remedies Act.

Claudia Rowe. "Former trooper found guilty of sex charge. Seattle Post-Intelligencer (March 17, 2008).
A former Washington State Patrol trooper accused of improper contact with a woman he'd arrested for drunken driving has been found guilty of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct. Carlos Torres, 46, who had been with the State Patrol since 1998, faces up to a year in prison. . . See also reader comments on this story.

"Former prison priest (Vincent Inametti) charged with sexual assault." CBS 11 (November 8, 2007).
Prosecutors say the two alleged sexual assaults, against female inmates, took place in February and June of 2006.

Laura Sullivan. "Report documents sexual violence in prisons." NPR (August 1, 2005).
Prison advocates have called for a report like this for more than a decade, but it was not until Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act two years ago that this report became a reality.

Confusion Leads to "Blame the Victim" Mentality

News articles often contain expressions of public support for alleged perpetrators of sexual exploitation in the context of professional relationships of "fiduciary duty." See also online reader comments when available.

Adrian Cook

Steve Myers. "Woman says she was abused by Catholic priest in 1970s: The Rev. Adrian Cook, however, says incidents were consensual." The Mobile Register (April 2, 2003).
Cook, 57, now serves as pastor of St. Maurice Catholic Church in Brewton . . . he acknowledged that he had sex with Weiss, but said it was consensual. He also confirmed that he had fathered a child with another woman.

Pedro Jose Damazio

Globe staff. "Archdiocese suspends priest (Pedro Jose Damazio) after sexual misconduct allegations." Boston Globe (July 25, 2009).
"I am with him 100 percent," said Joanna Maciel who said she did not believe the allegations. . . Joe Antunes expressed sympathy for Damazio, noting that the alleged misconduct had involved an adult, not a child.

James Gallagher

Rob Longley. "Church dealing with shocking news." Daily News Record (December 15, 2004).
"I don't see him as the kind of man who would go after women," said [Mrs. Patty Huffman, parish religion educator]. "There's a . . . naivete and vulnerability [about him]. He never says 'no' to anyone."

James F. McCarthy

Daniel J. Wakin. "Past adviser to Cardinal O'Connor resigns after admitting to affairs." New York Times (June 12, 2002).
Eugene Kennedy, a former priest and an emeritus professor of psychology at Loyola University of America … said he has known and admired Bishop McCarthy for many years … "It's not a crime, and I'm not sure it's a sin."

James J. McCoy

James Craven. "Victim recounts clergy abuse in Southington." New Britain Herald (January 15, 2009).
… he was allowed to read a letter of resignation before about 200 people at the church. He admitted having a relationship with a young female church member … one church member accused [the victim] of lying and a family reportedly left the church because [the victim] was not reprimanded enough.

Joseph McNamara

David Reynolds. "Doctor (Joseph G. McNamara) faces new accuser." The Daily-News Record (July 5, 2007).
A doctor already accused of sexually assaulting two patients has been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery involving another woman, according to court records. The arrest warrant on a misdemeanor charge filed in Rockingham County General District Court on Friday adds a third name to the list of women who have accused . . . See also reader comments on this story.

Jeff Mellott. "Doctor admits sexual contact: McNamara's license remains suspended." The Daily News Record (June 22, 2007). See reader comments on this story.

Jeff Mellott. "Patient speaks in doc's defense." The Daily News Record (February 6, 2007).
Barbara Dovel doesn't, for one minute, believe the charges police have leveled at her physician, Dr. Joseph McNamara. Police have charged McNamara, a doctor for 24 years and in the community for nearly 20 years, with a felony count of sodomy and one misdemeanor count of sexual battery on a patient . . .

Edward Moran

Laurence Hammack. "Woman says church warned: A Covington woman says if the Catholic Church had heeded her warnings, a second woman would not have been victimized." The Roanoke Times (August 21, 2005).
Sullivan [Walter Sullivan, bishop emeritus of the Richmond, Virginia diocese] said the woman could have developed an infatuation with Moran . . . "I just think she's a lady who feels scorned." [P]arishioners said the woman clearly enjoyed the time and attention Moran gave her. "She was ga-ga over him," one member said.

Spencer Lee Page

"N. Texas dentist (Spencer Lee Page) arrested on sexual assault charge." CBS 11 News (April 22, 2008).

"New details in dentist office sexual assault case." CBS 11 News (April 23, 2008).

Antonio Ramada

Tom Jackman. "Alexandria doctor arrested after assault claim." Washington Post (September 9, 2008).
A doctor in Alexandria was arrested last month after allegedly sexually assaulting one of his patients, Alexandria police said today. Police said in a news release that a 32-year-old man had contacted them in August and reported that his doctor, Antonio Ramada, had "performed an act of sodomy on him" during an appointment at Ramada's office . . .

Salvatore Sam Rodino

Danielle Sanzone. "Fr. Rodino supported by parishioners." Troy Record (January 9, 2010).
… his flock of loyal parishioners still support him and have been conducting its own investigation into the matter … Denise Ryan, a member of the Wynantskill parish [said]: "We will never leave him. The support will not stop. They did this to him, so they did it to us as well."

John Sappenfield

Harriet Vaughan. "Priest's removal stuns Franklin church: Cleric admits improper relationship." The Tennessean (October 23, 2009).
… "he's a human being and we make mistakes … I think it's just temptation." See online reader comments.

Shashikant Vyas

Tristan Kirk. "Woman tried to kill herself after rape by priest." Harrow Times (December 17, 2008).
The 41-year-old was raped by Shashikant Vyas. . . and now says her life has been ruined as friends and neighbours blame her for bringing about the prosecution of the priest. . . Her husband and son have also turned on her . . . even after [Vyas] admitted carrying out the attack.

Henry Willenborg

Melissa Ganje and photojournalist Carrie Kohlmeier. "Parishioners support suspended Ashland priest." FOX 21 News (October 18, 2009).
Christensen says if Willenborg is found innocent of the allegation of a sexual relationship with a high school girl, he will gladly welcome Willenborg back to the church.

Cheryl Wittenauer. "Catholic priest who fathered child is suspended." Washington Post (October 16, 2009).
Superior Bishop Peter Christensen first learned of Willenborg's relationship and the child Sept. 17. He said Willenborg disclosed it to his congregation at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland during Masses the following weekend, and "received a standing ovation."

Tim Townsend. "O'Fallon son of Catholic priest featured in New York Times." St. Louis Post-Dispatch (October 16, 2009). See online reader comments.

Recent Reports Of Licensing Board Failures

Medical Board, California

Tom Kisken. "Medical board's action on 123 sexual exploitation cases seen as not enough." Ventura County Star (January 6, 2008).
"The Medical Board should revoke that guy's license," said Julie D'Angelo Fellmeth, a University of San Diego law professor who wrote a state-mandated assessment of the board's enforcement program and considers sex with a patient an ultimate abuse of power. "It's a crime. It's unlawful. It's unethical. Sexual misconduct is the mortal sin for any healthcare practitioner. You just don't do that . . ."

Indiana State Medical Licensing Board

"Doctor's trust." WTHR.com. This story was reported by Richard Reeve, photographed and edited by Bill Ditton and produced by Gerry Lanosga.
"It's a crime of power and control, and doctors have ultimate power over their patient," said Anita Carpenter, a sexual abuse victims' advocate [with the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault, or INCASA] . . . the American Medical Association spells it out very clearly: any sexual activity between a doctor and a patient, even a patient of another doctor at the same facility, constitutes sexual misconduct.

Kansas State Board of Healing Arts

Tim Carpenter. "Senate: Fire leaders of healing arts board: Resolution prompted by lack of timely action in high-profile cases." The Capital-Journal (March 29, 2008).
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution Friday calling on the Kansas Board of Healing Arts to dismiss top administrators at the state agency for failure to protect the public from unethical doctors . . .

Barb Shelly. "Tuesday's editorial: Kansas Board of Healing Arts is a mess." KansasCity.com (April 28, 2008)
Patient confidence in the medical network depends on effective oversight of doctors and other providers. The public needs to know that complaints will be investigated promptly and fairly. Unfortunately, that has not been happening in Kansas. Recent investigations by The Topeka Capital-Journal newspaper and state legislators have documented serious problems with the state's Board of Healing Arts . . .

Medical Board, Virginia

Liz Szabo. "Patients in peril: How Virginia's medical system lets questionable doctors continue to practice." The Virginian Pilot (January 19, 2003).
More than 250 doctors are licensed by the Virginia medical board despite records of serious mistakes or misconduct, a review of board actions since 1990 shows . . . An analysis of the National Practitioner Data Bank, which tracks physicians, found at least 70 Virginia doctors who have been disciplined five or more times by state and federal authorities, hospitals or professional societies. Only 28 of them lost their licenses. . .

Washington State Department of Health

Michael J. Berens. "State gets tougher on sexual misconduct." Seattle Times (December 10, 2006).
A yearlong Seattle Times investigation, published in April, revealed that the state allowed hundreds of doctors, counselors and others to keep practicing despite their sexual misconduct.

Medical Examining Board, Wisconsin

Gina Barton. "Lax oversight favors doctors over patients: Doctors keep licenses despite lawsuits, sexual assaults, even patient deaths." Journal Sentinel (January 26, 2008).
A Journal Sentinel review of five years' worth of disciplinary action found that the board is slow to look into complaints, keeps many of its investigations secret and rarely imposes serious discipline, even when patients die . . . The Journal Sentinel's analysis found that doctors can abuse drugs and keep their licenses. Doctors can sexually assault patients and keep their licenses. . . . doctors are further protected by a veil of secrecy . . . Over the five-year period studied by the newspaper, the second most common punishment handed down by the licensing board was the one Frazin received in the Kresken case: a reprimand. That's the most lenient sanction and one Musser admitted is virtually meaningless . . .

"Editorial: Policing the docs: A Journal Sentinel investigation revealing lax oversight underscores the need to give the state Medical Examining board more resources and authority to protect patients." Journal Sentinel (January 27, 2008).
Regrettably, a Journal Sentinel investigation has revealed a highly disturbing pattern of lax oversight by state medical regulators that favors doctors over patients. It's a pattern that must be reversed . . .

Chiropractors and Malpractice

Back to news article

Jean McAulay. "Flirting with malpractice: Protect yourself and your practice from unwanted sexual advances." Today's Chiropractic (April-May 2007).
In a September 2004 article in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics [author Michael J. Stahl, D.C.] and co-author Stephen Forman, D.C., reported the incidence rate of disciplinary actions against chiropractors for sexual misconduct was 339 percent higher than for medical doctors.