For immediate release: December 2, 2008 (08-189)

Contacts:
Taylor Stair, Case Manager 360-236-4886
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

Sexual contact charges lead state to suspend Seattle-area doctor immediately

OLYMPIA ¾ The medical license of a Seattle doctor accused of fondling and having sex with a patient has been immediately suspended by the state Department of Health.

The summary suspension means Ceferino A. Fernandez (MD00022075) cannot practice or work as a physician in Washington pending a hearing.

According to legal documents filed in the case, a patient went to see Fernandez in October, complaining of abdominal pain. At the appointment, Fernandez allegedly had the patient remove her shirt for the examination, then touched her breasts, engaged in oral sex, and had sexual intercourse with her.

The legal documents say Fernandez admitted that he had sex with the patient at his clinic despite her protests. Fernandez claimed that he “...could see it in her eyes...” that she wanted to have sex with him, and he took this “look” as an invitation to have sex even though she told law enforcement that she protested.

The charges are available online; click “Provider Credential Search” on the agency home page (www.doh.wa.gov) or call 360-236-4700.

The state Department of Health protects and promotes public health, safety, and welfare in Washington by regulating the competency and quality of health professionals. Rules, policies, and procedures developed by the agency promote quality health care for state residents.

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