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For immediate release: November 16, 2006 (06-184)
Contacts:
Tammy Kelley, Disciplinary
Program Manager 360-236-4905
Jeff Smith, Communications Office
360-236-4072
Sexual contact with 16-year-old client leads state to suspend license of Pierce County mental health counselor
OLYMPIA – Charges of having sex with a teenage boy in her care have led to license suspension for a Pierce County counselor. The Department of Health has immediately suspended the mental health counselor license of Wende Wertley (LH00008909) on charges of unprofessional conduct. This action means she cannot practice until these charges are resolved.
According to the statement of charges, Wertley had sex with a 16-year-old client on multiple occasions and knowingly crossed professional boundaries with him. According to the summary order, the investigation showed Wertley invited the boy to move into her home, where some of the sexual contact took place.
Wertley, former Family Services Director for GATEWAYS for Youth and Families, has 20 days to respond to the charges and has the right to request a prompt hearing or a settlement conference.
Consumers who believe a health care provider acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call Health Professions Quality Assurance, 360-236-4700 to report their complaint.
Health Professions Quality Assurance regulates health care providers in Washington. Its rules, policies and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to state residents.
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12/18/2006 11:08 AM
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