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NEWARK
– A psychologist who allegedly referred
patients for treatment by an unlicensed
colleague has agreed to the suspension of
her license, deemed to be a revocation,
and also will pay restitution to patients
and civil penalties.
Sally
A. Wright of Neshanic Station, who operated
a private practice under the name “Wellspring
Resources Unlimited,” referred patients
to another person in her practice who was
not a licensed psychologist. Wright called
her colleague, Larry Brotzen, a “doctor”
when referring patients to him.
“The
Board has acted to protect the safety of
the public,” Attorney General Paula
T. Dow said. “Health care services
provided by unlicensed individuals put patients
at unnecessary risk.”
Wright
also billed insurance carriers for psychological
services rendered by the unlicensed Brotzen
and also engaged in other forms of fraudulent
billing. Following an investigation separate
from the Professional Board case, Wright
pled guilty in April in U.S. District court
to having committed health care fraud.
Wright
must pay $70,159 in restitution to patients
or their insurance carriers and $25,000
in civil penalties to the state, under terms
of the Order issued by the State Board of
Psychological Examiners. Additionally, Wright
cannot identify herself as a psychologist
in operating a newly established business,
“Alliance Consulting Group, Inc.”
“Wright
violated the trust of her patients, and
professional standards of conduct, by her
actions. Her motivation was self-enrichment,
not the welfare of her patients,”
said Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director
of the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Senior
Deputy Attorney General Joan D. Gelber represented
the state in this matter.
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