Television and movies sometimes like to make fun of the practice of psychiatry and treat its relevance in a trivial light. For example, a dad unintentionally scares his children when he jumps into their bedroom dressed as a clown and mom is heard saying, “Well, I guess we’ll be using those college savings for years of therapy bills instead.” In reality, millions of men and women seek psychiatric treatment for genuine and serious problems of depression, abuse, and relationship problems. Their medical diagnoses are much more than a punch line. In no legitimate course will a hopeful doctor learn that having sex with a patient is part of an approved cure. In fact, such an act will instead result in professional, and possible criminal, consequences.
Doctor Alan T. Lloyd has been reprimanded by the Texas Medical Board for his decision to have sex with a patient who was seeking his counsel for depression and thoughts of suicide. Lloyd treated the woman in Houston from 2003 until 2007 and now lives with her in San Antonio. He unsuccessfully attempted to convince the board that the intimate relationship did not begin until the doctor/patient relationship had ended. The over-friendly doctor now must take a course on “professional boundaries,” pay a $10,000 fine, and pass a medical bar exam within a year. If these steps are not completed, Lloyd will have his medical license suspended. Texas law does make it illegal for doctors to have sex with patients, so Dr. Lloyd still could face criminal charges.
At Bertolino LLP, we have medical licensing attorneys who practice in the area of medical licensing and medical boards. If you are a doctor and you have been brought before the Texas Medical Board for any reason, we have experienced Austin, Houston and San Antonio lawyers who will provide you with the best possible representation. When your professional livelihood is at stake, you want to have a knowledgeable and aggressive medical boards attorney by your side. Please contact one our medical boards lawyers in Austin, Houston, or San Antonio office today if we can be of service.
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