For immediate release: August 31, 2016 (16-098)
Contact: Sharon Moysiuk, Strategic Communications Office 360-549-6471
Washington chemical dependency counselor suspended for sexual contact with a patient in Oregon
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has suspended the credential of chemical dependency professional Luis Jose Rivas (CP.6026233) pending further legal action. Rivas resides in Washington County, Oregon and also has an Oregon credential.
Rivas allegedly demanded that a client have sex with him during a required drug and alcohol evaluation. Rivas was charged with second-degree sexual abuse, third-degree sexual abuse, coercion and attempted coercion in Washington County, Oregon. The Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon suspended his Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor III credential based on the criminal charges.
Rivas has 20 days to request a hearing to contest the charges and the suspension.
The legal documents on this case are available online by clicking the link to “Provider Credential Search” on the Department of Health website; copies can also be requested by calling 360-236-4700. Anyone who believes a health care provider acted unprofessionally is encouraged to call that number to report their complaint.
The Department of Health and the Chemical Dependency Professional Program protect and promote public health, safety, and welfare in Washington by regulating the competency and quality of health care providers. The agency 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.
The Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
###