June 4, 10

NEWS / Somerset County Psychologist Agrees to License Suspension

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.

http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases10/pr20100602a.html