The Record
Clifton psychiatrist accused of having sex with bipolar patient agrees to license suspension
October 14, 2015
By MARY JO LAYTON

A Clifton psychiatrist who allegedly had sexual relations with a patient who has a bipolar disorder agreed to the temporary suspension of his license Wednesday, the acting attorney general said.

Dr. Theodore F. Jasper entered into a consent order with the state Board of Medical Examiners and will not practice pending a hearing to consider further disciplinary action, officials said.

“There is no place in the medical profession for doctors who do harm to their patients,” said acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman. “And there is no doubt that a doctor engaging in sexual misconduct with a patient, particularly one who is bipolar and being prescribed medication by that doctor, is harmful to the patient and to the public.”

Related: Clifton psychiatrist who allegedly had sex with bipolar patient agrees to suspend his practice

A complaint filed against the doctor in July alleges that he and the woman began to engage in a sexual relationship in late 2013. The woman, known as “L.S.” in legal documents, had been a patient of Jasper’s for more than 10 years. She was treated for bipolar disorder through the use of different medications and talk therapy, according to the state.

The two allegedly had intercourse at the patient’s home and Jasper’s medical office. The relationship also allegedly included L.S. sending multiple photographs to Jasper featuring her semi-nude, which the physician retained in his private files. Gifts were allegedly exchanged, including a pin identifying Jasper as the “World’s Sexiest Psychiatrist,” as well as roses, chocolates, wine and a Victoria’s Secret gift card.

At the time of this relationship, Jasper was prescribing medication to L.S. for continued treatment of her bipolar disorder and ADHD, and was seeing her for office visits, authorities said.

“The sexual misconduct allegations against Theodore Jasper, if proven, represent violations of basic and fundamental boundaries that should exist between and doctor and a patient,” said Steve Lee, acting director of the state Division of Consumer Affairs. “Our complaint against Jasper and the order temporarily suspending his license is a vital step toward addressing such disturbing allegations and protecting the public from such conduct.”

The hearing for further disciplinary action has not yet been scheduled.

An attorney for the physician could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Previously, attorney Svetlana Ros said the doctor “vehemently denies that the sexual activity described” by the patient “ever occurred.”