a y 4é 0 7 4 ho STATE OF FLORIDA by D) DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH on . Aopy Veo, 4h “0. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF CLINICAL SOCIAL ys Ly Og WORK, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY AND 4 pS a MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, Nip SE Petitioner, vs. Case Number: 2000-02291 CHRISTOPHER B. DEBELLEVUE, O!-O102 Respondent. / ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT COMES NOW, the Petitioner, Department of Health, hereinafter referred to as “Petitioner,” and files this Administrative Complaint before the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling against Christopher B. DeBellevue, hereinafter referred to as “Respondent, “ and alleges: 1. Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulating the practice of clinical social work pursuant to section 20.43, Florida Statutes; Chapter 456, Florida Statutes (formerly Chapter 455, part II; see Chapter 2000-160, Laws of Florida), and Chapter 491, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to section 20.43 (3)(g), Florida Statutes, the Department has contracted with the Agency for Health Care Administration to provide consumer complaint, investigative, and prosecutorial services required by the Division of Medical Quality Assurance, councils, or boards, as appropriate. 2. Respondent is, and has been at all times material hereto, a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida, having been issued license number SW 0002688. 3. The last address of record for the Respondent is Post Office Box 1614, Anna Maria, Florida 34216. . WU Nw Patient BS received therapeutic counseling services from the Respondent intermittently from May of 1996 until March of 1998. BS attended approximately forty (40) counseling sessions with the Respondent. In response to a subpoena for BS’ treatment records, there were therapeutic note entries for approximately seventeen (17) treatment dates. The Respondent submitted approximately thirty-one bills for services to BS’ insurance company for reimbursement. Rule 64B4-9.002(2), Florida Administrative Code, promulgated by the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling sets forth the basic information that must be contained in psychotherapy records, including dates of the therapy sessions, treatment plan and results achieved. The standard of care for licensed clinical social workers require that the licensee maintain a complete record of services provided to a client. Subsequent to the termination of the therapeutic relationship, the Respondent telephoned BS and on one occasion, asked her to meet him for lunch. . In accordance with Section 491.009(2)(s), Florida Statutes, telephoning a former client and suggesting a lunch appointment is an impermissible dual relationship and fails to meet the minimum standards of performance in professional activities. . At the close of most therapy sessions, the Respondent would hug BS. . During at least one therapy session, the Respondent kissed BS on the forehead. . At approximately three sessions, the Respondent requested that BS lie down on the couch with her head on a pillow that was in the Respondent’s lap. . According to 64B4-10.002(1), Florida Administrative Code, it is sexual misconduct for a psychotherapist to engage, attempt to engage, or offer to engage a client in sexual behavior, or any behavior, whether verbal or physical, which is intended to be sexually arousing. WU iw] Based on the foregoing, the Respondent has violated section 491.009 (2)(k), Florida Statutes, by committing any act upon a patient or client which would constitute sexual misconduct as defined in section 491.0111, Florida Statutes and 64B4-10.002 (2), Florida Administrative Code; section 491.009(2)(s), Florida Statutes, by failing to meet the minimum standards of performance in professional activities when measured against generally prevailing peer performance; and section 491.009 (2)(q), Florida Statutes, through a violation of section 491.0148, Florida Statutes, failing to maintain records in accord with the minimum requirements as set forth 64B4-9.002 (2), Florida Administrative Code. WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling to enter an Order imposing one or more of the following penalties: revocation or suspension of the Respondent’s license; restriction of Respondent’s practice; imposition of an administrative fine; issuance of a reprimand; placement of the Respondent’s license on probation for a period of time and subject to terms and/or conditions; and/or any other relief which the Board deems appropriate. SIGNED this é Id h day of k ) Mi Woe ¥ 2000. Robert G. Brooks, M. D. Secretary, Department of Health By: ancy M. Snurkowski Chief Attorney General Counsel’s Office Practitioner Regulation — Legal COUNSEL FOR PETITIONER: Deborah B. Loucks NY) Senior Attorney Florida Attorney Number 0169889 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Agency for Health Care Administration DEPUTY CLERK Practitioner Regulation — Legal “CLERK Vehi ke Kener. Post Office Box. 14229, Mail Stop #39 Tallahassee, Florida 32317-4229 , DATE tl [ Is jee (850) 487-9694 . LCE Lolisles

Docket for Case No: 01-000102PL