rd j . 3 Division 2 ) OF Administrat; ; tative Hearings STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, Petitioner, vs. Case Number: 2000-01090 CHRISTOPHER B. DEBELLEVUE, Ol- 0103 PL 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 Il; 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. 4. From approximately June 16, 1999 through October 18, 1999, the Respondent provided professional therapeutic services to patient MS. 5. The patient initially sought counseling to deal with issues related to divorce; loss of twins; and her relationship with her minor child. 6. During the sessions, the Respondent initiated discussion of sexual relationships. 7. After one of the sessions, the Respondent hugged MS, telling her that the hug was a form of therapy. 8. During the therapy sessions, the Respondent engaged, attempted to engage, or offered to engage MS in verbal behavior intended to be sexually arousing. 9. Encouraging a female patient with psychopathology similar to that of MS to hold and hug the Respondent is inappropriate. 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; and 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. 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 \ aa day of ( X lav AL , 2000. Robert G. Brooks, M. D. Secretary, Department of H Nancy M. Snurkowski Chief Attorney General Counsel’s Office Practitioner Regulation — Legal COUNSEL FOR PETITIONER: Deborah B. Loucks Y Senior Attorney Florida Attorney Number 0169889 DEPARTMENT OF HEALT} Agency for Health Care Administration DEPUTY CLERK Practitioner Regulation — Legal CLERK Veh Rk. Kenon Post Office Box 14229, Mail Stop #39 Tallahassee, Florida 32317-4229 DATE__(0 / 25 l 2-22 (850) 487-9694 ce ade ils

Docket for Case No: 01-000103PL