Psychologist Robert Newell fails to respond to patient complaint; racks up $5,000 in fines

November 30, 2010

On September 28, 2010, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) issued a Statement of Charges against psychologist Robert M. Newell. 

According to the DOH’s document, in June 2009, it received two complaints from a patient of Newell’s, alleging unprofessional conduct.  Later in June 2009, the Board of Psychology authorized an investigation into the complaints.  This included sending Newell a letter requesting documents, records and a request for a written response regarding the complaint.

The Board sent another such request on August 12.  On or about September 8, 2009, the Board sent Newell a Citation and Notice based on his failure to respond to the earlier letters requesting information, and advised him that the Board had authorized the assessment of a fine of $100 per day until he provided the requested materials or the total amount reached $5,000.

The Board sent Newell another request for information as well as another Citation and Notice in October 2009 and on October 23, sent him a notice informing him he’d accrued $5,000 in fines.

To date, the DOH has received no response from Newell.

Source: Statement of Charges in the Matter of Robert M. Newell, credential PSYC.PY.00002931, case no. M2010-30, State of Washington Department of Health Examining Board of Psychology.