Psychiatrist Karen G. Canulla reprimanded for sexual relationship with patient

June 4, 2009

The Arizona Medical Board reprimanded psychiatrist Karen G. Canulla for unprofessional conduct.  Board documents state that Canulla treated patient “GF” beginning in December 2006.  During the Board’s investigation, Canulla reported that she had discharged GF on March 20, 2008 and sent him a letter to that effect.  However, there was no discharge letter included in GF’s patient chart.  Canulla subsequently admitted to Board staff that she began a sexual relationship with GF in April 2008, which ended in August 2008.  Canulla’s admitted conduct constitutes unprofessional conduct for failing or refusing to maintain adequate patient records and engaging in sexual conduct with a current or former patient within six months of the last consultation.

(Consent Agreement and Letter of Reprimand and Probation, In the Matter of Karen G. Canulla, M. D., License No. 36948, Case No. MD-08-1072A, June 4, 2009.)