Child psychiatrist under investigation by four legal agencies

AUSTIN--Four legal agencies are launching a joint investigation on a child psychiatrist accused of sexually abusing patients over a span of twenty years.

The Texas Rangers, Austin Police, and the Attorney General's office are among the agencies looking into 9 sexual assault allegations on Dr. Charles Henry Fischer.

Yesterday the Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended Fischer's license after the state department of family protective services found two of the allegations to be true.

According to the suspension report some of the incidents occurred where Fischer worked, including the Waco Center for youth back in 1992, and most recently the Austin State Hospital.

Due to the shocking allegations the Texas Department of State Health Services has decided to review and change its rules on the way they serve their patients.

Some of the rules prohibit employees from locking treatment rooms during examinations. Therapy sessions will not be held outside normal hospital ours and any other staff accused of sexual assault will be reassigned or placed on emergency leave.

The investigation is ongoing and Fischer has not been charged with any allegations.

Source: Danielle Skinner, "Four legal agencies launch investigation on a child psychiatrist," ABC TV Channel 25 (Waco, Killeen, TX), November 23, 2011.