Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Felony child abuse charges lead to suspension for physical therapy assistant - Washington

OLYMPIA ¾ The license of a Douglas County physical therapy assistant has been immediately suspended by the Board of Physical Therapy and the Department of Health. Andrew Paco Lopez (PT60045837) was criminally charged with first degree child abuse. He cannot practice in Washington until the charges are resolved.

Lopez was arrested in September 2011 and charged in Douglas County Superior Court with first degree child assault. Charging documents say Lopez was directly caring for his nine-week old when the child suffered multiple fractured ribs and brain trauma.

The Board of Physical Therapy and the Department of Health say Lopez cannot practice safely as he poses an unacceptable risk to the public’s health, safety, and welfare. His inability to control his actions and/or emotions presents an immediate danger to the public who expect treatment in a safe care environment.

Lopez has 20 days to respond to the charges and ask for a hearing. Legal documents are online; click the link to “Provider Credential Search” on the agency home page (www.doh.wa.gov) or call 360-236-4700.

The Board of Physical Therapy protects public health and safety in Washington. It licenses and disciplines physical therapists and physical therapy assistants using standards of practice.

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