For immediate release: December 10, 2008 (08-192)

Contacts:
Taylor Stair, Case Manager 360-236-4886
Tammy Kelley, Case Manager 360-236-4905
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

OLYMPIA — Charges of rubbing a patient’s pubic area and groping another patient’s buttocks have led to the immediate suspension of a King County acupuncturist and registered counselor. Credentials for both professions held by Alfred Laggner (AC00002980 and RC00039977) were suspended by the Department of Health. Laggner cannot practice as an acupuncturist or counselor pending further action by the agency.

The charges say that Laggner committed various acts of sexual misconduct while working as an acupuncturist. The statement of charges say he rubbed or massaged a patient’s pubic area, stuck his hand down the back of another patient’s underwear without permission and started feeling her buttocks while allegedly looking for a lost needle, and later asked her if he could unhook her bra. Laggner has 20 days to respond and has the right to request a hearing.

Legal documents in this case are available online by clicking the link to "Provider Credential Search" on the Department of Health home page (www.doh.wa.gov). Consumers who believe a health care provider acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call Health Systems Quality Assurance, 360-236-4700 to report their complaint.

Health Systems Quality Assurance regulates health care providers in Washington. The division monitors and enforces qualifications for licensing, registration or certification, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms, and discipline. Rules, policies, and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to state residents.

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