Pierce County Chiropractor Faces Charges of Sexual Misconduct

OLYMPIA, Wash., June 11 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release:

A Pierce County chiropractor's license has been immediately suspended by state health officials after alleged sexual misconduct.

Dale Clark (CH00001250) allegedly asked a female patient to lie on the floor for an adjustment and began thrusting himself on the client. Charges state that the client asked him to stop, but Clark stated, "Let me finish," and continued until he ejaculated in his pants. Clark allegedly called the client on multiple occasions after the incident to apologize and offered to provide future treatment for free, but she ignored his calls.

The patient eventually called Clark a few months later for treatment, because she had back pain and didn't have insurance. During an appointment, Clark put his hands underneath her sweatshirt to check her back before allegedly touching her breasts.

Clark has 20 days to respond to the charges and to ask for a hearing. The Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission referred the case to the Department of Health because the charges don't involve clinical care.

The charging documents can be seen online by clicking "Look up a health care provider (https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/)" on the Department of Health website (http://www.doh.wa.gov/home.aspx). Copies can also be requested by calling 360-236-4700. That number can be used to file complaints against health care providers in Washington.

The Department of Health and Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission 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 people in Washington.

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