Potomac Psychiatrist Susan D. Rich Suspended, Fined for Unprofessional Conduct

March 6, 2019

On February 22, 2019, the Maryland State Board of Physicians suspended Potomac psychiatrist Susan D. Rich for unprofessional conduct.

The Board’s Consent Order states, with regard to “Patient 1,” that Dr. Rich breached therapeutic boundaries by (a) having the patient live in her residence, interact with her children and act as an au pair in training; (b) having the patient perform household chores, as well as caring for her farm animals; (c) forming a business relationship with the patient by having her do the foregoing in lieu of paying room and board Dr. Rich.

With regard to all four patients, the Board found that Dr. Rich failed to consistently document progress notes, medication management, and daily/weekly session notes and also failed to maintain records that corresponded to and supported her billings. 

Following the suspension period, Dr. Rich’s license will be on probation for a minimum period of 10 months during which she must complete prescribed coursework.

She was also ordered to pay a civil fine of $15,000 to the Board.

Source: Consent Order in the Matter of Susan D. Rich, M.D., License Number D62027, Maryland State Board of Physicians, Case Number 2217-0116B, January 22, 2019.