A Lewis County-based emergency medical technician’s license was suspended for two years after he failed to respond to an allegation that he inappropriately touched an unconscious man and joked about it to other medical personnel.
The DOH charged Deal L. Scott with unprofessional conduct on Nov. 9, 2018. Scott was given 20 days to submit a mandatory response to the charge, but state health officials say they never received a response.
According to a final order from the DOH, Scott’s problematic conduct was evaluated within a tier system of “abuse — physical and/or emotional.” Scott fell within a range of zero to three years of disciplinary action.
“A two … year suspension protects patient safety and public health,” reads the order.
The suspension means Scott will be able to re-apply for his license in two years. If he chooses to do so, he’ll have to pay a $1,000 fine. He’ll also be required to take a mental health evaluation.
Scott is accused of, on June 29, 2018, inappropriately touching a 72-year-old man who had lost consciousness and was lying facedown with his pants around his thighs.
Scott allegedly made jokes to other medical personnel as he touched the man. He was working for Central Pierce Fire and Rescue at the time.
“Other emergency personnel at the scene found (Scott’s) conduct unprofessional, abusive and offensive,” reads the order, which also says there was no medical basis for him to touch the man in the way he did.
Scott received his license on Aug. 11, 2014.
