KEY POINTS:
A clinical psychologist who fell for a patient, moved into a boarding house with him and then lied about it when she was investigated has been struck off the register.
The woman, who admitted a charge of professional misconduct, was fined $5000 by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal and ordered to pay $5000 costs.
In a decision released yesterday the tribunal suppressed the woman's name, the name of the DHB who employed her and everything else that might identify her.
It was said that naming her would lead to the identification of the man and thus of his personal health information.
If the woman ever wanted to practise again she would have to satisfy various conditions.
It reiterated comments in earlier cases that "sexual relationships with patients and ex-patients is conduct that must be regarded as the most serious and merit condemnation by this tribunal."
The charge against the woman, married with children and called "Mrs O" by the tribunal, said she began the relationship with her former "client" in August 2005 when he was vulnerable.
She quit practising in January 2006.
- NZPA
