For immediate release: September 25, 2007 (07-157)

Contacts:
Tammy Kelley, Deputy Executive Director 360-236-4905
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072

OLYMPIA – The license of a King County chiropractor has been immediately suspended for allegedly having sexual contact with nine patients during a 13 month period.

The Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission and Department of Health suspended the chiropractic license of Mark Svetcos (CH00034350) due to charges of unprofessional conduct.

The charges allege that Svetcos had sexual contact with nine different patients between July 2005 and August 2006. In some cases he also treated family members of those patients. He was first licensed in February 2004.

Svetcos has 20 days to respond to the charges and has the right to request a prompt hearing or a settlement conference.

The statement of charges and the suspension order are available online by clicking "Provider Credential Search" on the Department of Health home page  (www.doh.wa.gov) or by calling 360-236-4700. Consumers who believe a health care provider acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call Health Professions Quality Assurance, 260-236-4700, to report their complaint.

The Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission regulates chiropractors in Washington. The commission establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline. Rules, policies and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to state residents.

###