Clifton Doctor's Medical License Revoked Following Admission of
Inappropriate Physical Relationship with Patient
NEWARK - Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs today announced that the State Board of Medical Examiners has revoked the medical license of a Clifton psychiatrist who engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a patient.
Dr. Theodore F. Jasper, agreed to the revocation of his license in a Consent Order entered May 10. He admitted to engaging in inappropriate physical contact and gift exchanges with the patient. Jasper had been treating the patient with a combination of medications and talk therapy. His license was revoked for four years. The revocation is retroactive to August 12, 2015, the date when he first agreed to surrender his license in an Interim Consent Order.
In addition to the license revocation, Jasper agreed to pay civil penalties and investigative and attorney's fees of $53,390. He also must submit to a psycho-sexual evaluation and complete any recommended follow-up treatment and complete courses in patient boundaries and ethics before making any effort to reapply for his license.
"Any physician who engages in an inappropriate physical relationship with a patient is violating well established professional boundaries," said Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino. "This is particularly true for a psychiatrist who, as stated in the Board's regulations, bears an even greater responsibility to establish and maintain boundaries. Revoking the license of this doctor sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated."
"Patients, especially those seeking mental health services, are most vulnerable when under a doctor's care, and should not have to deal with inappropriate physical contact," said Steve Lee, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "The Board took the necessary action in light of the disturbing conduct admitted to by this doctor."
Jasper began treating the patient in 2004, but the personal relationship began in 2013, according to the Consent Order. The Attorney General's verified complaint alleged that during the course of their relationship, Jasper and his patient had sexual intercourse at her home and in his medical office. The initial complaint filed against Jasper also alleged that she sent him semi-nude photos and gifts, including a pin that identified Jasper as the "World's Sexiest Psychiatrist."
The Board found that Jasper's actions constituted the use or employment of dishonesty, gross or repeated malpractice, professional misconduct, violation or failure to comply with the provisions of any act or regulation administered by the Board and failure to be of good moral character as required for licensing as a physician, all in violation of state statutes.
If Jasper reapplies for his license after the period of revocation and the terms in the Consent Order are met, the Board of Medical Examiners may still impose conditions on his return to practice, including requiring that he see only male patients or only see female patients with a chaperone present.
Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation.
Deputy Attorney General David M. Puteska represented the State in this matter.
Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its
website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or (973) 504- 6200.
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