Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)

May 15, 2010 Saturday
METRO EDITION

Psychiatrist disciplined for patient relationship;
Dr. Elizabeth Delesante admitted that she crossed the line with a patient.

BYLINE: MAURA LERNER; STAFF WRITER, STAR TRIBUNE (Mpls.-St. Paul)

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 4B

LENGTH: 249 words

A psychiatrist in Sartell, Minn., has been reprimanded by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice for unprofessional and unethical conduct by developing a personal relationship with a patient.
Dr. Elizabeth Delesante, 51, admitted that she had “failed to maintain professional boundaries” with the individual, who was her patient for nearly 10 years, according to a disciplinary action made public Friday.
The board said Delesante should have referred the patient, who was not publicly identified, to another practitioner after their “inappropriate relationship” began.
According to the board, Delesante had been treating the patient periodically for several years when their relationship escalated in 2007 and 2008. The psychiatrist began talking to the patient by cell phone on evenings and weekends and revealing personal information during their counseling sessions; she also kept authorizing medications even after she learned the patient might be misusing drugs, the board investigation found.
After the board received a complaint about her behavior in 2009, Delesante underwent a psychological evaluation that found she had lost her objectivity and treated the patient inappropriately.
As part of the disciplinary action, Delesante agreed not to engage in “close personal or social relationships” with patients and to take courses in chemical dependency awareness and professional boundaries. She also was ordered to work under a supervising psychiatrist and to pay a $2,415 penalty.