In the Matter of Dr. Eric D. Cerwonka, Psy.D

STATE OF LOUISIANA

COURT OF APPEAL

FIRST CIRCUIT

2019 CA 1291

IN THE MATTER OF DR. ERIC [ R.] CERWONKA, PSY.D

JUDGMENT RENDERED: '
JUN 2 6 2020

Appealed from the
Nineteenth Judicial District Court
In and for the Parish of East Baton Rouge • State of Louisiana
Docket Number 656587 • Section 24

The Honorable R. Michael Caldwell, Judge Presiding

L. Lane Roy ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT,
Elizabeth C. Austin PLAINTIFF— Eric R.
Lafayette, Louisiana Cerwonka

Timothy T. Roniger
New Orleans, Louisiana

Amy Groves Lowe ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEE,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana DEFENDANT— Louisiana State
Board of Examiners of
Psychologists

Edward J. Walters ATTORNEYS FOR AMICUS CURIAE
Joseph E. Cullens, Jr. APPLICANTS— Jennifer Rogers
Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Grant Rogers

BEFORE: MCCLENDON, WELCH, AND HOLDRIDGE, JJ.

WELCH, J.

Eric R. Cerwonka appeals a district court judgment on judicial review that

denied his petition for judicial review and affirmed an opinion and order of the

Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (" LSBEP"), revoking his

license to practice psychology in the State of Louisiana. For the following reasons,

we affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

At all times material, Dr. Cerwonka was licensed by the LSBEP as a

psychologist and engaged in the practice of psychology in the State of Louisiana.

On October 20, 2015, Jennifer Rogers (" JR") and Grant Rogers (" GR")

collectively, " complainants") filed a Request for Investigation form with the

LSBEP setting forth certain allegations against Dr. Cerwonka. On January 25,

2016, the LSBEP notified Dr. Cerwonka via certified mail of the complaint against

him and its initiation of an investigation into the allegations. After reviewing Dr.

Cerwonka' s written response, the LSBEP Complaints Coordinator determined that

further investigation was required and assigned an investigator to the matter. I

On August 5, 2016, the LSBEP sent supplemental notice via certified mail to

Dr. Cerwonka through his then -attorney of record, Don. S. McKinney, setting forth

additional allegations and potential violations of the LSBEP' s rules and regulations

based on the findings of LSBEP' s investigator. Dr. Cerwonka did not respond to

the additional allegations.

On September 27, 2016, the LSBEP filed a formal administrative complaint

against Dr. Cerwonka, No. P15 -16- 03C, alleging violations of La. R.S.

37: 2359( A), ( 13)( 2)( c), ( 13)( 12), ( 13)( 13), ( B)( 14), and American Psychological

1 See La. R.S. 37: 2361( A) (" The [ LSBEP] may investigate any evidence or allegation which
appears to show that any person is or may be in violation of any provision of this Chapter.").
See also LAC 46: LXIII. 1503( F) (" The [ LSBEP] shall determine whether the complaint warrants
further investigation.").

N

Association (" APA") Ethical Standards 2. 06, 3. 04, 3. 05( a)( 2) and ( a)( 3), 3. 06,

3. 08, 7. 07, 10. 05, 10. 06, 10. 08( a) and ( b), and 10. 10( a) and ( c). 2

At a Bertucci meeting held on October 26, 2016, Dr. Cerwonka offered no

contradictory evidence or testimony that disputed the violations alleged, nor could

a resolution or informal offer be reached. Following the meeting, the LSBEP

summarily suspended Dr. Cerwonka' s license. Thereafter, the LSBEP scheduled a

formal disciplinary hearing for November 10 and 11, 2016, 4 to determine whether

it should suspend, revoke, place on probation, require remediation for a specified

time, or take any other action specified in the LSBEP' s rules and regulations with

respect to Dr. Cerwonka' s license.

Dr. Cerwonka filed a petition for stay order of the LSBEP' s summary

suspension of his license with the Nineteenth Judicial District Court (" 19th JDC"). 5

Following a hearing on November 30, 2016 and December 7, 2016, the district

court rendered judgment on December 8, 2016, decreeing that pending a formal

disciplinary hearing before the LSBEP, Dr. Cerwonka was prohibited from

practicing pursuant to his psychology license in the State of Louisiana. Dr.

Cerwonka did not seek review of the December 8, 2016 judgment.

The LSBEP held a formal disciplinary hearing on January 12 and 13, 2017,

regarding the administrative complaint against Dr. Cerwonka. Thereafter, the

LSBEP rendered an opinion and order on February 10, 2017, revoking Dr.

2 The Ethical Standards are found in the APA' s ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGISTS AND
CODE OF CONDUCT and have been adopted under Chapter 15, Part LXIII of Title 46 of the LAC.
The referenced Ethical Standards mirror LAC 46: LXIII. 1305( F); 1307( D), ( E)( 1)( b) and ( c), ( F),
H); 1315( G); 1321( E), ( F), ( 14)( 1) and ( 2), and ( J)( 1) and ( 3).

3 A licensee is given the opportunity to show compliance with the requirements for the retention
of a license and that the complained of actions do not violate law or agency rules before the
institution of formal adjudicatory proceedings, when the issue is one of suspension, revocation,
annulment, or withdrawal of an existing license. La. R. S. 49: 961( C); Louisiana State Board of
Medical Examiners v. Bertucci, 593 So. 2d 798, 801 ( La. App. 4th Cir. 1/ 16/ 92).

4 The formal disciplinary hearing was continued to January 12 and 13, 2017.

5 See Docket Number 652936, Div. D, 19th JDC, Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of
Louisiana.

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Cerwonka' s license to practice psychology in the State of Louisiana and ordering

him to pay all costs of the LSBEP proceedings, in the total amount of

119, 991. 98. 6 Dr. Cerwonka filed a request for reconsideration/ retrial, which the

LSBEP denied.

Dr. Cerwonka sought review of the LSBEP' s February 10, 2017 opinion and
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order by filing a petition for judicial review with the 19th JDC. Dr. Cerwonka

alleged that the LSBEP presented no substantial evidence demonstrating that he

should have his license to practice psychology revoked. Dr. Cerwonka also

asserted that the LSBEP violated his right to due process.

Following oral argument and briefs submitted by the parties, the district

court held that the LSBEP violated Dr. Cerwonka' s right to due process in two

aspects: ( 1) allowing Lloyd Lunceford, a member of the same law firm as

LSBEP' s general counsel, Amy Groves Lowe, to serve as presiding officer of the

administrative proceeding; and ( 2) allowing James R. " Jim" Raines, who

represented Dr. Cerwonka in a prior child custody matter, to serve as LSBEP' s

prosecuting attorney. The district court signed a judgment on July 26, 2017,

vacating the LSBEP' s February 10, 2017 opinion and order, and ordering that if

the LSBEP prosecuted Dr. Cerwonka again for the same matters, it was prohibited

from using a LSBEP attorney and a presiding officer from the same firm and the

same presiding officer or prosecuting attorney from the prior hearing.

The LSBEP appealed the district court' s July 26, 2017 judgment. On

appeal, this court reversed the district court' s July 26, 2017 judgment and

remanded the matter to the district court to consider the remaining issues raised in

Dr. Cerwonka' s petition for judicial review. See Matter of Cerwonka, 2017- 1199

La. App. 1St Cir. 4/ 11/ 18), 249 So. 3d 30, 31, writ denied, 2018- 0760 ( La.

6 We attach the LSBEP' s February 10, 2017 opinion and order as EXHIBIT A to this opinion.

7 See Docket Number 656587, Sec. 24, 19th JDC, Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of
Louisiana.

11

9/ 21/ 18), 252 So. 3d 917. This court held the fact that the presiding officer— Mr.

Lunceford— was from the same law firm as LSBEP' s general counsel— Ms.

Lowe— did not violate Dr. Cerwonka' s due process rights. Matter of Cerwonka,

249 So. 3d at 36. This court further held that allowing James R. " Jim" Raines,

who represented Dr. Cerwonka in a prior child custody matter, to serve as

LSBEP' s prosecuting attorney did not violate Dr. Cerwonka' s due process rights.

Matter of Cerwonka, 249 So. 3d at 36- 38. Thereafter, Dr. Cerwonka filed a writ

of certiorari with the Louisiana Supreme Court, which was denied. Matter of

Cerwonka, 2018- 0760 ( La. 9/ 21/ 18), 252 So. 3d 917.

Following remand, the LSBEP filed a rule to show cause, requesting that the

district court review the February 10, 2017 opinion and order of the LSBEP on the

merits.'
The district court set the matter for oral argument on February 4, 2019.

Following the February 4, 2019 hearing on the merits of Dr. Cerwonka' s

petition for judicial review, the district court denied Dr. Cerwonka' s petition and

affirmed the February 10, 2017 opinion and order of the LSBEP. In accordance

with its ruling, the district court signed a judgment on judicial review on February

19, 2019, Dr. Cerwonka now appeals.

STANDARD OF REVIEW

The Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act (the " Act") governs the judicial

review of a final decision in an agency adjudication, setting forth the exclusive

grounds upon which an administrative agency' s decision may be reversed or

modified on appeal at La. R.S. 49: 964( G):

The court may affirm the decision of the agency or
remand the case for further proceedings. The court may
reverse or modify the decision if substantial rights of the
appellant have been prejudiced because the
administrative findings, inferences, conclusions, or

decisions are:

s On behalf of the LSBEP' s position, a law firm that was not involved in the case below
Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC— filed motions for leave to file amicus curiae briefs
on behalf of the complainants. The district court granted the motions.

5

1) In violation of constitutional or statutory provisions;

2) In excess of the statutory authority of the agency;

3) Made upon unlawful procedure;

4) Affected by other error of law;

5) Arbitrary or capricious or characterized by abuse of
discretion or clearly unwarranted exercise of discretion;
or

6) Not supported and sustainable by a preponderance of
the evidence as determined by the reviewing court. In
the application of this rule, the court shall make its own
determination and conclusions of fact by a preponderance
of evidence based upon its own evaluation of the record
reviewed in its entirety upon judicial review. In the
application of the rule, where the agency has the

opportunity to judge the credibility of witnesses by first-
hand observation of demeanor on the witness stand and
the reviewing court does not, due regard shall be given to
the agency' s determination of credibility issues.

Any one of the six bases listed in the Act is sufficient to modify or reverse

an agency determination. Johnson v. Strain, 2015- 0714 ( La. App. 1St Cir.

11/ 6/ 15), 183 So. 3d 562, 564. In an administrative agency case, the district court

acts as a reviewing court. The district court' s standard of review in reviewing the

factual findings of the administrative agency is manifest error. The district court

may only reverse the administrative tribunal' s exercise of discretion and

conclusions upon finding that the agency' s action was arbitrary and capricious.

Save Ourselves, Inc. v. Louisiana Envtl. Control Comm' n, 452 So. 2d 1152,

1159 ( La. 1984); Rochon v. Whitley, 96- 0835 ( La. App. 1st Cir. 2/ 14/ 97), 691 So.

2d 1891 192. An administrative agency' s conclusion is " capricious" when it has no

substantial evidence to support it. Likewise, the word " arbitrary" implies a

disregard of evidence or the proper weight thereof. Marsellus v. Dep' t of Pub.

Safety & Corr., 2004- 0860 ( La. App. 1st Cir. 9/ 23/ 05), 923 So. 2d 656, 661. In

reviewing such actions, courts must be cognizant of the strong presumption of

2

validity and propriety in such administrative actions where casting judgment upon

the professional behavior of a fellow member of a profession is a matter peculiarly

within the expertise of an agency composed of members of that profession.

Montalbano v. Louisiana State Bd. of Med. Examiners, 560 So. 2d 1009, 1011

La. App. 4th Cir. 1990). Given the jurisprudential presumption of correctness of

an agency' s actions, Dr. Cerwonka bears the burden of proving the record contains

no facts that would establish the validity of the charges levied against him. See

Cranford v. Louisiana State Bd. of Practical Nurse Examiners, 2008- 0209 ( La.

App. 4th Cir. 10/ 1/ 08), 996 So. 2d 590, 601.

Once a final judgment is rendered by the district court, an aggrieved party

may seek review by appeal to the appropriate appellate court. La. R.S. 49: 965;

Johnson, 183 So. 3d at 564. Our appellate review of the district court' s judgment

is de novo, without regard for the factual findings or legal conclusions of the

district court. Tomorrow' s Inv' rs, LLC ex rel. Jones v. State ex rel. Louisiana

Gaming Control Bd., 2011- 1616 ( La. App. 11t Cir. 3/ 23/ 12), 92 So. 3d 364, 367,

writ denied, 2012- 0886 ( La. 6/ 1/ 12), 90 So. 3d 444. Consequently, this court will

conduct its own independent review of the record in accordance with the standards

provided in La. R.S. 49: 964( G). See Johnson, 183 So. 3d at 564.

LAW AND DISCUSSION

The law and rules governing the practice of psychology in the State of

Louisiana are found in Chapter 28 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes9

and Part LXIII of Title 46 of the Louisiana Administrative Code. Louisiana

Revised Statutes 37: 2352( 7) 10 provides, in pertinent part:

9 The version of the statutes found in Chapter 28 of Title 37 regarding the practice of psychology
that are applicable to the instant matter are those that were in effect at the time the LSBEP
rendered its February 10, 2017 opinion and order.

10 Louisiana Revised Statutes 37: 2352 was last amended by 2018 La. Acts 206, § 3 ( eff. Aug. 1,
2018); however, the amendments were technical corrections that did not substantively alter
Section 2352.

7

Practice of psychology" is defined as the observation,
description, evaluation, interpretation, and modification

of human behavior, by the application of psychological
principles, methods, and procedures, for the purpose of
eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired

behavior, and of improving interpersonal relationships,
work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness,

behavioral health, and mental health.

A psychologist is any person licensed as a psychologist under Chapter 28. La. R.S.

37: 2352( 9). The LSBEP is a state agency created " to safeguard the life; health,

property, and the public welfare" of the citizens of the State of Louisiana by

protecting " the people of this state against the unauthorized, unqualified, and

improper application of psychology." La. R.S. 37: 2351. 11 " A psychologist and

anyone under the supervision of a psychologist shall conduct their activities in

conformity with ethical and professional standards promulgated by the [ LSBEP]

under its current rules and regulations." La. R.S. 37: 2359( A).12

The LSBEP is empowered to suspend, place on probation, revoke any

license, or take any other action specified in the LSBEP' s rules and regulations.

See La. R.S. 37: 2353( C)( 4) 13 and La. R.S. 37: 2359( B); 14 Bond v. Louisiana State

Bd. of Examiners of Psychologists, 2009- 1735 ( La. App. 1St Cir. 6/ 11/ 10), 2010

15
WL 2342755, at * 1 ( unpublished). As provided for in La. R.S. 37: 2359( B):

The board shall have the power and duty to suspend,
place on probation, require remediation for a specified
time, revoke any license to practice psychology, any
provisional license to practice psychology, or any license
to practice as a specialist in school psychology issued by

11 Like La. R.S. 37: 2352, Section 2351 was amended by Act 206; however, the amendments
were technical corrections that did not substantively alter Section 2351.

12 Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:2359 was amended by 2017 La. Acts 234, § 1 ( eff. June 14,
2017) and 2018 La. Acts 515, § 2 ( eff. Aug. 1, 2018); however, these amendments did not alter
the substance of subsection ( A).

13 Similar to La. R.S. 37:2359, La. R.S. 37:2353 was amended by Act 234 and Act 515; however,
these amendments did not alter the substance of subsection ( C)( 4).

14 As stated in n. 12, supra, La. R.S. 37:2359 was amended by Act 234 and Act 515; however, the
substance of the amendments to subsection ( B) is not at issue on appeal.

15 See n. 14, supra.

the board, or take any other action specified in the rules
and regulations whenever the board ... shall find by a
preponderance of the evidence that a psychologist ... has

engaged in any of the following acts or offenses:

2) Practicing psychology in such a manner as to

endanger the welfare of clients or patients, including but
not limited to:

c) Gross malpractice, repeated malpractice,
or gross negligence in the practice of

psychology.

12) Violation of the code of ethics adopted in the rules
and regulations of the board or other immoral,
unprofessional, or dishonorable conduct as defined in the
rules and regulations of the board.

13) Inability to practice psychology with reasonable skill
and safety to patients or clients by reason of illness,
inebriation, misuse of drugs, narcotics, alcohol,

chemicals, or any other substance, or as a result of any
mental or physical condition.

14) Violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter or
of the rules and regulations promulgated by the board
thereunder.

The Legislature has also adopted the Ethical Standards found in the APA' s

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGISTS AND CODE OF CONDUCT under the

administrative code. See LAC 46: LXIII. 1301- 1321.

In furtherance of its mission, the LSBEP is empowered to hold hearings

under the Act relative to potential violations by those licensed as psychologists.

See La. R.S. 37: 2353( C)( 5) 16 and La. R.S. 37: 2359( C); 17 see also La. R.S. 49: 950,

et seq. Additionally, the Act grants the LSBEP the power to issue subpoenas for

the production of books, papers, and other documentary evidence. La. R.S.

49: 956( 5)( a). Any person aggrieved by an action of the LSBEP may seek judicial

16 As stated in n. 13, supra, La. R.S. 37: 2353 was amended by Act 234 and Act 515; however, the
substance of the amendments to subsection ( C)( 5) is not at issue on appeal.

17 As stated in n. 12, supra, La. R.S. 37: 2359 was amended Act 234 and Act 515; however, the
substance of the amendments to subsection ( C) is not at issue on appeal.

9

18
review in the 19th JDC in accordance with the Act. See La. R.S. 37: 2353( E);

Bond, 2010 WL 2342755, at * 1.

A. Due Process Violations

In his sole assignment of error, Dr. Cerwonka raises due process violations,

arguing that the LSBEP' s prosecution and trial of the administrative complaint was

constitutionally flawed" and " cannot be the basis" for revoking his license to

practice psychology in the State of Louisiana.

1. Sufficiency of the Alleged Violations

Dr. Cerwonka argues that the alleged violations charged by the LSBEP in

the notices and the administrative complaint were " virtually without any detail,

dates, times or places, removing the opportunity for [ him] to appropriately respond

to them, much less investigate the validity of the charges."

The Act, the statutes governing the practice of psychology in the State of

Louisiana, the administrative code, and the LSBEP' s policies and procedures

provide guidance on the requirements for the notices of charges levied against

licensed psychologists for alleged violations of the rules, regulations, and/ or ethical

standards governing licensed psychologists. As provided for in LAC

46: LXIII. 1501( A), the rules found in Part LXIII of Title 46 of the administrative

code "
shall be applicable to any action of the [ LSBEP] to withhold, deny, revoke

or suspend any psychologist' s license on any of the grounds set forth in R.S.

37: 2359 or under any other applicable law, regulation or rule, when such action

arises from a complaint as defined in this section."

Upon receipt of a complaint— defined as any information indicating that

there may be grounds for disciplinary action against a licensed psychologist— the

LSBEP may initiate and take such action as it deems appropriate. LAC

46: LXIII. 1503( A) and ( B). Upon receipt of complaints from persons other than

18 As stated in n. 13, supra, La. R.S. 37: 2353 was amended by Act 234 and Act 515; however,
these amendments did not alter the substance of subsection ( E).

10

the LSBEP or a licensed psychologist ( as in the instant matter), the LSBEP

forwards the Request for Investigation form to the licensee and determines whether

the complaint warrants further investigation. LAC 46: LXIII. 1503( D) and ( F). If

the LSBEP determines further investigation is warranted, it notifies the licensee

that a complaint has been filed. Notice shall include a short and plain statement of

the nature of the complaint; references to the statutes, rules, or ethical standards

which may be involved; copies of the applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and a

request for cooperation in obtaining a full understanding of the circumstances.

LAC 46: LXIII. 1505( A). The licensee is required to provide a written response

within thirty days of the notice. LAC 46: LXIII. 1505( B). The LSBEP may

conduct further investigation and communicate with the licensee in an effort to

seek a resolution of the complaint without the necessity of a formal hearing ( i.e., a

Bertucci meeting). La. R.S. 49: 961( C); LAC 46: LXIIL1505( D). After the

completion of its investigation, if the LSBEP determines that the circumstances

warrant the withholding, denial, revocation, or suspension of a psychologist' s

license, the LSBEP shall then initiate formal adjudicatory proceedings. La. R. S.

49: 961( C); LAC 46: LXIII. 1511( A).

a. Notice of Complaint

Regarding the requirements of the notice of a complaint, La. R.S. 49: 955

provides, in pertinent part:

A. In an adjudication, all parties who do not waive their
rights shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing after
reasonable notice.

B. The notice shall include:

3) A reference to the particular sections of the statutes
and rules involved;

4) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted.

If the agency or other party is unable to state the matters
in detail at the time the notice is served, the initial notice

11

may be limited to a statement of the issues involved.
Thereafter, upon application, a more definite and detailed
statement shall be furnished.

The administrative code provides, at LAC 46: LXIII. 1505( A):

A. If the [ LSBEP] determines that a complaint warrants
further investigation, the [ LSBEP] shall
notify the

licensee or applicant against whom the complaint has
been made ( hereinafter referred to as " respondent"). The

notice to the respondent shall include the following:

1. notice that a complaint has been filed;

2. a short and plain statement of the nature of the
complaint;

3. a reference to the particular sections of the statutes,

rules or ethical standards which may be involved;

4. copies of the applicable laws, rules and regulations of
the board; and

5. a request for cooperation in obtaining a full
understanding of the circumstances.

Section 7003( B)( 3) of the LSBEP' s POLICY & PROCEDURES MANUAL,

provides, in pertinent part:

If the review reveals evidence of possible ethical

violation( s), then the Coordinator requests, in writing,
that the [ LSBEP] office assign the file an official

complaint number and assign the complaint for
investigation.

b) The Respondent is noticed, via certified mail,

regarding the complaint and any potential violations in
accordance with the LAC § 1505. A. 1- 5. The Respondent
is given 30 days to respond in writing. Upon request and
for good cause shown, the Respondent may be granted an
extension of time in which to formulate a response[,]
provided the extension will not interfere with any
prescriptive dates established by statute or regulation[.]

Here, the LSBEP determined that the complaint made against Dr. Cerwonka

required further investigation. See LAC 46: LXIII. 1503( B) and ( F). Accordingly,

the LSBEP provided written notice to Dr. Cerwonka, via certified mail on January

25, 2016, that a complaint had been filed. The LSBEP provided Dr. Cerwonka

12

with supplemental, written notice via certified mail on August 5, 2016, sent to his

then -attorney of record, Don S. McKinney, that additional claims were being

investigated. See LAC 46: LXIII. 1505( A).

Both notices indicated that a complaint had been filed against Dr. Cerwonka.

See La. R.S. 49: 955; LAC 46: LXIII. 1505( A)( 1); Section 7003( B)( 3)( b) of the

LSBEP POLICY & PROCEDURES MANUAL. The January 25, 2016 notice to Dr.

Cerwonka stated: " This is to notify you that a formal complaint has been lodged

against you with the [ LSBEP] ...." Likewise, the August 5, 2016 notice provided:

This is to notify you that in the course of the investigation of the matter

referenced above ... additional claims are being investigated...."

Both notices contained a short and plain statement of the nature of the

complaint. See La. R. S. 49: 955( B)( 4); LAC 46: LXIII. 1505( A)( 2). The January

25, 2016 notice to Dr. Cerwonka provided, in relevant part:

The core of this complaint ... is that you allegedly had
inappropriate feelings for [ JR] and that you used your
professional position and position of trust to engage in
sexual activity with [JR] as part of what you alluded to be
part of her therapy. Further, during this same period of
time, you continued treatment of her husband, [ GR],
using your professional position and position of trust to
cover up your sexual activity with [JR].

Similarly, the August 5, 2016 notice provided, in relevant part:

A]dditional claims are being investigated concerning the
use of illegal substances and abuse of prescribed

substances[,] and that Dr.
Cerwonka has potentially
engaged in the practice of psychology while under the
influence of illegal substances and/ or misuse of

prescribed substances.

Additionally, in the deposition of [JR], [ she] attests that
she and Dr. Cerwonka discussed terminating therapy in
order to continue a personal/ sexual relationship. Upon

information and belief, an official termination of therapy
never occurred.

Both notices referenced the particular sections of the statutes, rules, or

ethical standards that may be involved See La. R. S. 49: 955( B)( 3); LAC

13

46: LXIII. 1505( A)(3). The January 25, 2016 notice to Dr. Cerwonka provided, in

relevant part:

These allegations indicate a potential violation of Title
37, Chapter 28 ( Psychologists),
specifically RS
37: 2359A, B( 2)( b), B( 2)( c), ( 5), ( 12), ( 13), and ( 14) and

the following specific APA Ethical Principals [ sic] of

Psychologists ... adopted under Chapter 13 of the
Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46 Part LXIII:
2. 06. Personal Problems and Conflicts, 3. 04. Avoiding
Harm, 3. 06. Conflict of Interest, 3. 08. Exploitative
Relationships, 10. 05. Sexual Intimacies with Current
Therapy Clients/Patients, 10. 06. Sexual Intimacies With
Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy

Clients/Patients, and 10. 10. Terminating Therapy.

Similarly, the August 5, 2016 notice provided, in relevant part:

The foregoing allegations indicate a potential violation of
Title 37, Chapter 28 ( Psychologists), specifically RS
37: 2359A, B( 2)( c), ( 12), ( 13), and ( 14) and the following
specific APA Ethical Principals [ sic] of Psychologists
and Code of Conduct ( 2000) adopted under Chapter 13 of
the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part LXIII:
2. 06 Personal Problems and Conflicts, 3. 04 Avoiding
Harm.

However, in the event Dr. Cerwonka is able to provide
such documentation, the following specific APA Ethical
Principal [ sic]
would apply and should be specifically
addressed in responding to the additional charges

herewith: 10. 08( a) and ( b) Sexual Intimacies With

Former Therapy Clients/Patients. 3. 05( a)( 2) Multiple
Relationships is also being investigated as a potential
violation.

The LSBEP enclosed copies of the applicable laws, administrative rules, and

policies, including the APA' s Ethical Standards, with the initial January 25, 2016

notice. The notice stated, "[ a] copy of the relevant statutes, rules, or ethical

standards are attached hereto for your review." See LAC 46: LXIII. 1505( A)(4).

Both notices requested Dr. Cerwonka' s cooperation in obtaining a full

understanding of the circumstances. See LAC 46: LXIII. 1505( A)( 5). The January

25, 2016 notice to Dr. Cerwonka provided, in relevant part:

It has been determined that this matter warrants further
investigation. Therefore, in accordance with the LAC,

14

Title 46 Part LXIII. Section 1505, you are required to

submit a written statement giving your view of the
circumstances which are the subject of this complaint

within thirty (30) days of receipt of this letter. In your
statement please address the specific allegations above,

providing any documentation relevant to support your
statement.

Upon receipt of your response, it will be forwarded to
the LSBEP Complaints Chair] and possibly the

LSBEP' s] legal counsel for further review and

determination of whether a full investigation is
warranted.

Your cooperation in obtaining a full understanding of the
circumstances is requested.

Similarly, the August 5, 2016 notice provided, in relevant part:

In accordance with the LAC, Title 46, Part LXIII.
Section 1505, you are being afforded the opportunity to
submit a written statement giving your view of the
circumstances[,] which are the subject of these new
allegations within thirty ( 30) days of receipt of this
letter. In your statement[,] please address the specific

allegations above, providing any documentation relevant
to support your statement.

Given the seriousness of these allegations, a face to face
meeting has been scheduled to offer your client an
opportunity to meet with representatives of the [ LSBEP]
on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 9: 30 AM. The

purpose of this meeting is to allow us to discuss the
above -captioned matter, including your client' s version
of the pertinent events in question and noticed herewith
and in our original notice dated January 25, 2016, our
outstanding concerns, and a possible resolution of this
matter without the necessity of a formal hearing.

Please also be advised that, should your client reject the
opportunity to participate in this meeting, as evidenced
by their signature herewith, [ LSBEP] representatives will
proceed by filing an Administrative Complaint and
request a hearing with the [ LSBEP]. Thereafter, you
shall receive notification from the LSBEP staff as to the
date and time of the formal hearing and additional
particulars regarding the hearing process.

Your client' s continued cooperation in this matter is
appreciated.

15

Based on the foregoing, the alleged violations charged by the LSBEP in the

notices of the complaint complied with the governing statutes, administrative rules,

and the LSBEP' s policies and procedures.

b. Administrative Complaint

Once the LSBEP initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against Dr.

Cerwonka, it filed formal charges in an administrative complaint and set the matter

for a formal disciplinary hearing. Louisiana Revised Statutes 49: 955 provides, in

pertinent part:

A. In an adjudication, all parties who do not waive their
rights shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing after
reasonable notice.

B. The notice shall include:

1) A statement of the time, place, and nature of the

hearing;

2)A statement of the legal authority and jurisdiction
under which the hearing is to be held;

If the agency or other party is unable to state the
matters in detail at the time the notice is served, the
initial notice may be limited to a statement of the
issues involved. Thereafter, upon application, a more
definite and detailed statement shall be furnished.

Emphasis added.) As stated in LAC 46: LXIII. 1511( B), "[ t]he formal hearing

shall be conducted in accordance with the adjudication procedures set forth in the

Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49: 950 et seq.)."

Section 7003( C)( 2) of the LSBEP' s POLICY & PROCEDURES MANUAL

provides that, "[ t]he Respondent is noticed by the Investigator, via certified mail,

regarding assignment of the complaint for formal investigation[,] and the steps that

will be taken to facilitate the investigation. Section 7003( C)( 3) states, in pertinent

part, "[ a] fter all the facts have been reviewed, the Investigator will classify the

complaint" into one of three categories, one of which is " Clear Violation." Section

7003( C)( 3)( c) provides, in relevant part:

16

If the violation represents behavior which warrants
revocation, suspension, restriction, or any other formal
limitations of license[,] the Complaints Coordinator will:

i. Draft an Administrative Complaint to include facts and
charges and Request for Formal Hearing to be submitted
to the [ LSBEP] Prosecutor for review. Prior to filing the
Administrative Complaint and Request for Formal
Hearing with the [ LSBEP], the [ Respondent] should be
provided with a copy of the draft Administrative
Complaint and Request for Formal Hearing along with
offerfor a face to face informal hearing to show
compliance with all lawful requirements for the retention
of license.

The LSBEP sent the administrative complaint to Dr. Cerwonka via certified

mail and included a statement of the time, place, and nature of the hearing via a

notice of formal hearing. See La. R.S. 49: 955( B)( 1); Section 7003( C)( 2) of the

LSBEP' s POLICY & PROCEDURES MANUAL. The administrative complaint also

included a statement of the LSBEP' s legal authority and jurisdiction under which

the hearing was to be held. See La. R.S. 49: 955( B).

The administrative complaint contained a definite and detailed statement of

facts and set forth four alleged violations, including references to the particular

sections of the statutes, rules, and ethical standards that were potentially violated.

See La. R.S. 49: 955( B). The " Facts" portion of the administrative complaint

contained details regarding the charges brought against Dr. Cerwonka, including

the following:

On or about May of 2015, JR disclosed to
CERWONKA that she had developed feelings for him.
After this disclosure, JR and CERWONKA began
texting each inappropriate/ sexually explicit
other

messages in June 2015; during that same period[,] JR
began to come in for unscheduled visits with

CERWONKA. In July, 2015, one month after GR' s
final visit with CERWONKA, CERWONKA and JR
kissed in his office during a therapy session. At the end

of July 2015, CERWONKA and JR discussed stopping
therapy in order that JR could go to work for him. JR
states that there was never a formal termination of
therapy and that therapy continued throughout their

17

relationship, which is evidenced by their communication
during that period of time.

JR began working with CERWONKA as an
employee in July 2015. JR and her husband, GR, were
separated at this time. JR worked part- time for
CERWONKA, conducting psychological testing from
July 2015 until August 18, 2015[ j and was paid from
CERWONKA' s personal checking account. During this
period, CERWONKA and JR had oral sex,

intercourse[,] and/ or sexual intimacies on at least three
occasions. In her sworn deposition of February 26, 2016,
and a report she made to the Lafayette Police Department
on October 12, 2015 at 11: 29 a. m., the first sexual
encounter was not consensual. JR states she waited to
report the incident out of fear that CERWONKA would
not testify in her favor if her estranged husband, GR,
filed for custody of their children. In his response to the
initial notice of this matter, CERWONKA
acknowledged that he had employed JR.

In JR' s sworn deposition of February 26, 2016, JR
stated that CERWONKA advised her that her husband,
GR, was a " narcissist" and not capable of providing the
love that she should have[.] CERWONKA inquired as
to whether JR wanted to continue in her relationship with
her husband and provided JR with the name of an
attorney that he had used for a civil matter, and advice on
how to proceed with a divorce, including what parish she
should live in.

The administrative complaint alleged the following violations:

1. CERWONKA knew or should have known that he
had inappropriate feelings for JR, and despite
knowing of these feelings and despite knowing that
there are proper means with which a person in his
profession can manage these feelings, he failed to do
so in violation of [ La. R.S. 37: 2359( A), ( B)( 2)( c),
B)( 12), ( B)( 13), ( B)( 14), as well as Ethical
Standards 2. 06 Personal Problems and Conflicts, 3. 04
Avoiding Harm, 3. 05( a)( 2) and ( a)( 3) Multiple
Relationships, 3. 06 Conflict of Interest, 3. 08
Exploitative Relationships, 7. 07 Sexual Relationships
With Students and Supervisees, 10. 05 Sexual
Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/ Patients,
10. 06 Sexual Intimacies with Relatives or Significant
Others of Current Therapy Clients/Patients, 10. 08( a)
and ( b) Sexual Intimacies with Former Therapy
Clients/Patients, and 10. 10( a) and ( c) Terminating

Therapy, found in the APA' s ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF
PSYCHOLOGISTS AND CODE OF CONDUCT, as adopted
under the LAC].

18

2. CERWONKA used his professional position and
position of trust to engage in an inappropriate
relationship and inactivity with JR in
sexual

violation of [La. R.S. 37: 2359( A), (B)( 2)( c), ( 13)( 12),
13)( 13), ( 13)( 14), as well as Ethical Standards 2. 06
Personal Problems and Conflicts, 3. 04 Avoiding
Harm, 3. 05( a)( 2) and ( a)( 3) Multiple Relationships,
3. 06 Conflict of Interest, 3. 08 Exploitative
Relationships, 7. 07 Sexual Relationships With
Students and Supervisees, 10. 05 Sexual Intimacies
With Current Therapy Clients/ Patients, 10. 06 Sexual
Intimacies with Relatives or Significant Others of

Current Therapy Clients/Patients, 10. 08( a) and ( b)
Sexual Intimacies with Former Therapy
Clients/ Patients, and 10. 10( a) and ( c) Terminating
Therapy, found in the APR' s ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF
PSYCHOLOGISTS AND CODE OF CONDUCT, as adopted
under the LAC].

3. CERWONKA used his professional position and
position of trust to cover up his sexual activity with
JR, including paying her to perform psychological
services in his private practice in violation of [ La.
R.S. 37: 2359( A), (B)( 2)( c), ( 13)( 12), ( 13)( 13), ( 13)( 14),
as well as Ethical Standards 2. 06 Personal Problems
and Conflicts, 3. 04 Avoiding Harm, 3. 05( a)( 2) and
a)( 3) Multiple Relationships, 3. 06 Conflict of

Interest, 3. 08 Exploitative Relationships, 7. 07 Sexual
Relationships With Students and Supervisees, 10. 05
Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy
Clients/ Patients, 10. 06 Sexual Intimacies with

Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy
Clients/ Patients, 10. 08( a) and ( b) Sexual Intimacies

with Former Therapy Clients/Patients, and 10. 10( a)
and ( c) Terminating Therapy, found in the APA' s

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGISTS AND CODE
OF CONDUCT, as adopted under the LAC].

4. CERWONKA engaged in the abuse of prescribed
substances/ medication and/ or illegal substances

endangering the health and welfare of his clients in
violation of [La. R.S. 37: 2359( A), (B)( 2)( c), ( 13)( 12),
B)( 13), ( 13)( 14), as well as Ethical Standards 2. 06
Personal Problems and Conflicts and 3. 04 Avoiding
Harm, found in the APA' s ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF
PSYCHOLOGISTS AND CODE OF CONDUCT, as adopted
under the LAC].

Based on the foregoing, it is clear that the LSBEP' s administrative

complaint, No. P 15- 16- 03 C, complied with all of the above -stated requirements.

19

c. Conclusion

Our de novo review of the record— including the January 25, 2016 and

August 5, 2016 notices, as well as the September 27, 2016 administrative

complaint— shows that the LSBEP complied with all of the requirements for

notices and administrative complaints contained in the Act, the statutes, the

administrative code, and the LSBEP' s policies and procedures. The notices

contained the required " short and plain statement of the nature of the complaint"

and included references to the applicable statutes, rules, and ethical provisions.

The administrative complaint also complied with the applicable law and contained

sufficiently detailed factual allegations to apprise Dr. Cerwonka of the charges

levied against him in alleged violation of his license. Therefore, we find that there

is no merit to Dr. Cerwonka' s contention that he was deprived of the opportunity to

respond, investigate, or defend against the LSBEP' s allegations against him based

on lack of specificity or detail.

2. Summary Suspension ofDr. Cerwonka' s Psychology License

Dr. Cerwonka argues that the LSBEP' s summary suspension of his license

violated his due process rights because the suspension was issued " on the whim" of

the LSBEP Complaints Coordinator— who he described as an " administrative

clerical employee"— without a full hearing before the LSBEP with the opportunity

for him to examine the LSBEP' s evidence.

a. Notice and Opportunity to Examine Evidence

During its investigation, the LSBEP communicated with Dr. Cerwonka in an

effort to seek a resolution of the complaint through an informal Bertucci

19
meeting. See La. R.S. 49: 961( C); LAC 46: LXIII. 1511( A). When the issue is

one of suspension, revocation, annulment, or withdrawal of an existing license, a

licensee is given the opportunity to show compliance with the requirements for the

19 See n.3, supra.

20

retention of a license and that the actions complained of do not violate law or

agency rules prior to the institution of formal adjudicatory proceedings. See La.

R.S. 49: 961( C); LAC 46: LXIII. 1511( A); Bertucci, 593 So. 2d at 801. This is

commonly known as a " Bertucci meeting," or a " 961( C) meeting."

The Act, administrative rules, LSBEP policies, and corresponding

jurisprudence do not provide much guidance as to what satisfies the requirements

of a Bertucci meeting. The Fourth Circuit has indicated that a licensing agency

has discretion as to the manner of the meeting, indicating that an " informal setting"

in which a licensee would be allowed to explain himself face- to- face satisfies the

requirements of Bertucci, and that the licensee is not entitled to dictate to an

agency in that regard. Reaux v. Louisiana Bd. of Med. Examiners, 2002- 0906

La. App. 0 Cir. 5/ 21/ 03), 850 So. 2d 723, 731, writ denied, 2003- 2546 ( La.

11/ 26/ 03), 860 So. 2d 1138. The Fourth Circuit has also held that a licensee under

investigation is not entitled to have a record preserved of a Bertucci meeting.

Reaux, 850 So. 2d at 731.

Thus, there is no record or transcript preserved of the October 26, 2016

Bertucci meeting; however, the record shows that Dr. Cerwonka and his then -

attorney of record, J. Arthur Smith, III, were in attendance, as well as LSBEP

board member and Complaints Coordinator, Dr. Sasha J. Lambert; LSBEP

Executive Director, Jaime T. Monic; LSBEP Prosecutor, James R. " Jim" Raines;

and LSBEP Investigator, Ronald Robinson. On appeal, the LSBEP indicates that

Prosecutor Raines shared portions of the results of the LSBEP' s investigation with

Dr. Cerwonka and Mr. Smith. The record indicates that neither Mr. Smith nor Dr.

Cerwonka presented any evidence or testimony in Dr. Cerwonka' s defense at the

informal meeting to show his compliance with the requirements for the retention of

his license, nor that his complained of actions did not violate the law or the

LSBEP' s rules and ethical standards. Mr. Smith indicated to those present that Dr.

21

Cerwonka wanted to present his case at a full trial on the merits of the

administrative complaint.

Although Dr. Cerwonka argues that he was " entitled to see evidence that

would be presented" at the Bertucci meeting, there is no such requirement

contained in La. R.S. 49: 961( C), LAC 46: LXIII. 1511( A), or Bertucci and its

progeny. The purpose of the October 26, 2016 meeting was not disciplinary or

adjudicatory; it was merely an informal opportunity for Dr. Cerwonka to show

compliance with his license requirements and that his complained of actions did

not violate any law or LSBEP rule or ethical standard prior to formal

administrative complaint proceedings. Accordingly, we find no merit to Dr.

Cerwonka' s claim that his due process rights were violated at the Bertucci meeting

with regards to notice and opportunity to examine evidence.

b. Complaints Coordinator' s Authority to Issue Summarr
Suspension ofLicense

Following the Bertucci meeting, the Complaints Coordinator provided Dr.

Cerwonka with written notice via certified mail on October 26, 2016, indicating

that his license was summarily suspended in an emergency action to safeguard the

health, safety, and welfare of the public. Then, the LSBEP accordingly instituted

the adjudicatory phase of the administrative complaint process by scheduling a

formal disciplinary hearing. See La. R.S. 37: 2353( C)( 5); La. R.S. 37:2359( B) and

C); LAC 46: LXIII. 15 11 ( A).

Prior to the institution of formal disciplinary proceedings regarding an

administrative complaint, the Act authorizes licensing agencies to issue summary

suspensions of professional licenses in certain instances. As provided for in La.

R. S. 49: 961( C):

No revocation, suspension, annulment, or withdrawal of

any license is lawful unless, prior to the institution of
agency proceedings, the agency gives notice by mail to
the licensee of facts or conduct which warrant the

22

intended action, and the licensee is given an opportunity
to show compliance with all lawful requirements for the
retention of the license.
If the agency finds that public
health, safety, or imperatively requires
welfare

emergency action, and incorporates a finding to that
effect in its order, summary suspension of a license
may be ordered pending proceedings for revocation
or other action.
These proceedings shall be promptly
instituted and determined.

Emphasis added.)

Under LAC 46: LXIII. 15 0 1 ( C), " the [ LSBEP] may delegate its authority and

responsibility under these rules to a committee of one or more [ LSBEP] members,

to a hearing officer, or to other persons," including a Complaints Coordinator.

Additionally, Section 7003( C)( 4) of the LSBEP' s POLICY & PROCEDURES MANUAL

provides, in pertinent part:

If at any point during an investigation, it is determined
that the health, safety and welfare of the public is at risk,
the Complaints Coordinator in coordination with the
Prosecuting Attorney may summarily suspend a license
or take any other action required for the protection of the
public.

The statutes, rules, and LSBEP policies and procedures clearly show that the

LSBEP has the power to delegate its authority as it deems appropriate. See LAC

46: LXIII. 1501( C). In this case, the LSBEP delegated to the Complaints

Coordinator, LSBEP board member Dr. Sasha J. Lambert, the authority to issue a

summary suspension in this instance if she determined that such a suspension was

necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. The record demonstrates

that at the time of his summary suspension, the LSBEP was investigating credible

claims of Dr. Cerwonka' s alleged use of illegal substances, abuse of prescribed

substances, engaging in the practice of psychology while under the influence of

said substances, and mismanagement of his professional relationship with patients.

In her sworn deposition, Complaints Coordinator Lambert testified:

Given the seriousness of the complaint and given
the evidence that I have seen that you [ Mr. Smith, Dr.

23

Cerwonka' s attorney,] have also seen, I was concerned
that it might potentially represent a threat to the safety of
others for him to continue practicing.

Given the information contained in the file, I
believe there was the possibility of a threat to the safety
of others should he continue practicing. As he did not
provide any information in the face- to- face meeting that
we had on the 26th, I was not convinced that there was
no possibility of a threat to others.

Based on the governing law, rules, and LSBEP policies and procedures, in

addition to the evidence and testimony in the record, we cannot say that the

Complaints Coordinator exceeded her statutory or administrative authority in

issuing the summary suspension of Dr. Cerwonka' s psychology license on October

26, 2016. Thus, we find no merit to Dr. Cerwonka' s contention that the LSBEP' s

summary suspension of his license to practice psychology in the State of Louisiana

violated his right to due process.

c. Conclusion

For the reasons discussed, there is no merit to Dr. Cerwonka' s claim that his

due process rights were violated at the Bertucci meeting with regards to notice and

opportunity to examine evidence prior to the summary suspension of his license.

Likewise, there is no merit to Dr. Cerwonka' s claim that the Complaints

Coordinator exceeded the LSBEP' s authority when she summarily suspended his

license following the October 26, 2016 Bertucci meeting.

3. Scope of the LSBEP' s Opinion and Order

Dr. Cerwonka further argues that he was found " guilty of matters for which

he was never charged, another clear violation of due process."

The January 25, 2016 notice indicated that Dr. Cerwonka had potentially

violated La. R.S. 37: 2359( A), ( B)( 2)( b), ( B)( 5), ( B)( 12), ( B)( 13), ( B)( 14), as well

as APA Ethical Standards 2. 06 Personal Problems and Conflicts ( LAC

46: LXIII. 1305( F)); 3. 04 Avoiding Harm ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1307( D)); 3. 06 Conflict

24

of Interest ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1307( F)); 3. 08 Exploitative Relationships ( LAC

46: LXIII. 1307( H)); 10. 05 Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/Patients

LAC 46: LXIII. 1321( E)); 10. 06 Sexual Intimacies with Relatives or Significant

Others of Current Therapy Clients/Patients ( LAC 46: LXIII.1321( F)); and 10. 10( a)

and ( c) Terminating Therapy (LAC 46:LXIII.1321( J)( 1) and ( 3)).

The August 5, 2016 notice indicated that Dr. Cerwonka had potentially

violated La. R.S. 37: 2359( A), (13)( 2)( c), ( 13)( 12), ( 13)( 13), ( 13)( 14), as well as APA

Ethical Standards 3. 04 Avoiding Harm ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1307( D)); 3. 05( a)( 2)

Multiple Relationships ( LAC 46: LXIIL1307( E)( 1)( b)); and 10. 08( a) and ( b)

Sexual Intimacies with Former Therapy Clients/Patients ( LAC

46: LXIII. 1321 (H)( 1) and ( 2)).

The LSBEP' s September 27, 2016 formal administrative complaint against

Dr. Cerwonka, No. P15 -16- 03C, alleged violations of. La. R.S. 37: 2359( A),

B)( 2)( c), ( 13)( 12), ( B)( 13), ( B)( 14), as well as APA Ethical Standards 2. 06

Personal Problems and Conflicts ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1305( F)); 3. 04 Avoiding Harm

LAC 46: LXIII. 1307( D)); 3. 05( a)( 2) and ( a)( 3) Multiple Relationships ( LAC

46: LXIII. 1307( E)( 1)( b) and ( c)); 3. 06 Conflict of Interest ( LAC

46: LXIII. 1307( F)); 3. 08 Exploitative Relationships ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1307( H)); 7. 07

Sexual Relationships With Students and Supervisees ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1315( G));

10. 05 Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/ Patients ( LAC

46: LXIII. 1321 (E)); 10. 06 Sexual Intimacies with Relatives or Significant Others of

Current Therapy Clients/Patients ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1321( F)); 10. 08( a) and ( b) Sexual

Intimacies with Former Therapy Clients/Patients ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1321( H)( 1) and

2)); and 10. 10( a) and ( c) Terminating Therapy ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1321( J)( 1) and

Following the formal administrative hearing held on January 12 and 13,

2017, the LSBEP ruled in its February 10, 2017 opinion and order that Dr.

25

Cerwonka' s actions had violated La. R. S. 37: 2359( A), ( B)( 2)[ c], 20 ( B)( 5), ( B)( 12),

B)( 13), and ( B)( 14), as well as APA Ethical Standards 2. 06 Personal Problems

and Conflicts ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1305( F)); 3. 04 Avoiding Harm ( LAC

46: LXIII. 1307( D)); 3. 08 Exploitative Relationships ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1307( H));

10. 05 Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/ Patients ( LAC

46: LXIII. 1321 (E)); 10. 06 Sexual Intimacies with Relatives or Significant Others of

Current Therapy Clients/Patients ( LAC 46: LXIII. 1321( F)); and 10. 10 Terminating

Therapy ( LAC 46: LXIII. 132 1 ( J)).

The record clearly shows that Dr. Cerwonka was not found " guilty of

matters" for which he was never charged. The LSBEP' s February 10, 2017

opinion and order found merit to the allegations that Dr. Cerwonka had violated

certain statutes, rules, and ethical standards, which had all been alleged in the

notices and charged in the administrative complaint. Accordingly, we find no

merit to this argument.

4. Conclusion

As discussed, supra, the LSBEP complied with all of the statutory laws,

administrative rules, and LSBEP policies and procedures regarding the notices of

complaint and the formal administrative complaint against Dr. Cerwonka. See La.

R.S. 49: 964( G)( 3). None of Dr. Cerwonka' s due process rights were violated

before or during the Bertucci meeting on October 26, 2016, with regards to notice

and opportunity to examine evidence. See La. R.S. 49: 964( G)( 1). Furthermore,

the Complaints Coordinator did not exceed the statutory authority of the LSBEP in

summarily suspending Dr. Cerwonka' s license. The record shows that her decision

was not in excess of the statutory authority of the LSBEP, nor was the decision

arbitrary, capricious, or characterized by an abuse of discretion or clearly

unwarranted exercise of discretion. See La. R. S. 49: 964( G)( 2) and ( 5). Finally,

20 Based on Section E of the opinion and order that is titled, " Conclusions of Law," it appears
that "( b)" is a clerical typographical error and should be "( c)."

26

the record shows that Dr. Cerwonka' s license was revoked for violations of

statutory law, administrative rules, and ethical standards that were alleged and

charged in the notices of complaint and the formal administrative complaint. The

LSBEP' s revocation of Dr. Cerwonka' s license based on these violations could

therefore not be arbitrary or capricious. See La. R.S. 49: 964( G)( 5).

Based on the foregoing, we hold that Dr. Cerwonka has not shown that the

LSBEP' s opinion and order was in violation of constitutional or statutory

provisions, in excess of the statutory authority of the LSBEP, made upon unlawful

procedure, affected by other error of law, or arbitrary or capricious or characterized

by abuse of discretion or clearly unwarranted exercise of discretion. See La. R.S.

49: 964( G)( 1)-( 5).

B. The LSBEP' s February 10, 2017 Opinion and Order

Dr. Cerwonka argues that there was no " legally sufficient evidence" before

the LSBEP to mandate the revocation of his license to practice psychology in the

State of Louisiana.

The record on appeal includes the entire administrative record, which

comprises all the documentary and electronic evidence submitted by Dr. Cerwonka

and the LSBEP. The administrative record is over two thousand pages of

documents, including ( but not limited to): official and unofficial written and

electronic correspondence; police reports; legal judgments; medical records and

patient files; Dr. Cerwonka' s license application with the LSBEP, including

criminal background reports; employee personnel files from Dr. Cerwonka' s

former employer, the Veterans' Administration; depositions and affidavits of

various witnesses, including the complainants and former employees of Dr.

Cerwonka; discovery responses; copies of phone logs and text messages; copies of

photographs; and various expert reports.

27

In its opinion and order, the LSBEP laid out the procedural timeline leading

up to the filing of the administrative complaint; the applicable statutes,

administrative rules, LSBEP policies and procedures, and ethical standards; made

extensive findings of fact; made conclusions of law; issued a ruling; and issued its

order and decree, revoking Dr. Cerwonka' s license to practice psychology in the

State of Louisiana. We attach the LSBEP' s February 10, 2017 opinion and order

as EXHIBIT A to this opinion for reference.

Based on our extensive de novo review of the record, we hold that the

LSBEP' s February 10, 2017 opinion and order is supported and sustained by a

preponderance of the evidence. See La. R.S. 49: 964( G)( 6).

DECREE

Accordingly, we affirm the district court' s February 19, 2019 judgment on

judicial review, which denied Eric R. Cerwonka' s petition for review and affirmed

the opinion and order of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists,

dated February 10, 2017.

AFFIRMED.

28

EXHIBIT A

IN RE: DOCKET NO: P15 -16- 03C

ERIC R. CERWONKA, PSY. D. LOUISIANA STATE BOARD OF
EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

OPINION AND ORDER

This matter came before the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (" the
Board" or " LSBEP") for hearing on January 12- 13, 2017, pursuant to written notice, at
which time a quorum of the Board was present:

Appearances:

Eric R. Cerwonka, Psy. D.;

James Brazee, Jr. and Evan Edwards, counsel for respondent Eric Cerwonka,
Psy. D.;

James Raines, complaint counsel for the Board;

Darla M. R. Burnett, Ph. D.; M. P., Board Member;

Amy Henke, Psy. D., Board Member;

Phillip Griffin, Ph. D., Board Member;

Koren Boggs, Ph. D., Board Member

Jesse Lambert, Psy. D., Board Member;

Amy Groves Lowe, counsel for the Board.

A. JURISDICTION

Jurisdiction for the hearing is vested pursuant to La. R. S. 37: 2359.

B. BACKGROUND AND MATTERS AT ISSUE

Proceedings to adjudicate an administrative enforcement action were initiated by the
filing of an Administrative Complaint on January 25, 2016: No. P15 -16- 03C. The
Administrative Complaint was signed by the LSBEP Executive Director, Jaime Monic,
and set forth a concise statement of the material facts and matters alleged to be
violations of Board rules and regulations. On August 5, 2016, supplemental notice was
sent to Cerwonka through his counsel of record setting forth an additional concise
statement of the material facts and matters alleged to be violations of Board rules and
regulations. Cerwonka did not dispute any legal or factual issues related to notification
of the allegations against him or to his response thereto.

The issues for the Board to determine in this matter were whether the
Respondent's actions constitute cause for which the Board may order suspension or
revocation of the Respondent' s license or a lesser sanction as deemed appropriate and
whether the Respondent's actions were in violation of the following provisions:
a) La. R. S. 37: 2359(A) Engaging in conduct not in conformity with ethical and
profession standards promulgated by the board;
b) La. R. S. 37: 2359( B) Power of the board to suspend, place on probation,
require remediation, revoke license, or take any other action specified in
the rules and regulations;
c) La. R. S. 37: 2359( B)( 2)( b) Engaging in sexual intercourse or contact with a
client or patient;

29

d) La. R. S. Engaging in gross malpractice,
37: 2359( B)( 2)( c) repeated

malpractice, or gross negligence in the practice of psychology;
e) La. R. S. 37: 2359( B)( 5) Use of untruthful, deceptive or improbable
statements concerning licensee' s qualifications;
f) La. R. S. 37: 2359( B)( 12) Violation of code of ethics;
g) La. R. S. 37: 2359( B)( 13) Inability to practice psychology by reason of
illness, inebriation, misuse of drugs, or any other substance, or as a result
of any mental or physical condition;
h) La. R. S. 37: 2359( B)( 14) Violation of any of the rules and regulations of the
board,
i) APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct Standard 2. 06 Personal
Problems and Conflicts;
Q) APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct Standard 3. 04 Avoiding
Harm;
k) APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct Standard 3. 05 Multiple
Relationships;
1) APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct Standard 3. 08 Exploitative
Relationships;
m) APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct Standard 10. 05 Sexual
Intimacies with Current Therapy Clients/ Patients;
n) APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct Standard 10. 06 Sexual
Intimacies with Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy
Clients/ Patients;
o) APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct Standard 10. 08 Sexual
Intimacies with Former Therapy Clients/ Patients
p) APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct Standard 10. 10 Terminating
Therapy.

C. APPLICABLE STATUTES AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

The laws governing psychologists can be found at La. R. S. 37: 2359. Specific
consideration was given by the Board to the following statutes, rules and regulations:

La. R. S. 37: 2359 Denial, revocation or suspension of license:

A. A psychologist and anyone under the supervision of a psychologist shall conduct
their activities in conformity with ethical and professional standards promulgated by the
board under its current rules and regulations.

B. The board shall have the power and duty to suspend, place on probation, require
remediation for a specified time, revoke any license to practice psychology, or take any
other action specified in the rules and regulations whenever the board, by affirmative
vote of at least four of its five members, shall find by a preponderance of the evidence
that a psychologist has engaged in any of the following acts or offences:

2) Practicing psychology in such a manner as to endanger the welfare of clients or
patients, including but not limited to:
b) Engaging in sexual intercourse or other sexual contact with a client or
patient

c) Gross malpractice, repeated malpractice, or gross negligence in the
practice of psychology.

5) Use of repeated untruthful, deceptive or improbable statements concerning the
licensee' s qualifications or the effects or results of proposed treatment, including
functioning outside of one' s professional competence established by education, training,
and experience.

12) Violation of the code of ethics adopted in the rules and regulations of the board
or other immoral, unprofessional or dishonorable conduct as defined in the rules and
regulations of the board.

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13) Inability to practice psychology with reasonable skill and safety to patients or
clients by reason of illness, inebriation, misuse of drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals,
or any other substance, or as a result of any mental or physical condition.

14) Violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter or of the rules and regulations
promulgated by the board thereunder.

C. Proceedings for disciplinary action or for the denial or withholding of a license
under the authority of this Section shall be conducted in compliance with the Louisiana
Administrative Procedure Act, R. S. 49: 950 et seq. The board may require a person
against whom disciplinary action has been taken by the board after hearing to pay
reasonable costs of the proceedings incurred by the board for hearing and any judicial
review, including attorney, stenographer and witness fees. These costs shall be paid no
later than thirty days after the adjudication by the board becomes final. No license shall
be issued, reinstated or renewed until such costs have been paid.

American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and
Code of Conduct:

2. 06 Personal Problems and Conflicts

a) Psychologists refrain from initiating an activity when they know or should know
that there is a substantial likelihood that their personal problems will prevent them from
performing their work- related activities in a competent manner.

b) When psychologists become aware of personal problems that may interfere with
their performing work- related duties adequately, they take appropriate measures, such
as obtaining professional consultation or assistance, and determine whether they
should limit their work- related duties.

3. 04 Avoiding Harm

Psychologists take reasonable steps to avoid harming their clients/ patients, students,
supervisees, research participants, organizational clients and others with whom they
work, and to minimize harm where it is foreseeable and unavoidable.

3. 05 Multiple Relationships

a) A multiple relationship occurs when a psychologist is in a professional role with a
person and ( 2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated
with or related to the person with whom the psychologist has the professional
relationship. A psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the
multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist' s
objectivity, competence or effectiveness in performing his or her functions as a
psychologist, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom the
professional relationship exists.

3. 08 Exploitative Relationships

Psychologists do not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative, or
other authority such as clients/ patients, students, supervisees, research participants,
and employees.

10. 05 Sexual Intimacies with Current Therapy Clients/ Patients

Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with current therapy clients/ patients.

10. 06 Sexual Intimacies with Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy
Clients/ Patients

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Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with individuals they know to be close
relatives, guardians or significant others of current clients/ patients. Psychologists do
not terminate therapy to circumvent this standard.

10. 08 Sexual Intimacies with Former Therapy Clients/Patients

a) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/ patients for
at least two years after cessation or termination of therapy.

b) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/ patients
even after a two-year interval except in the most unusual circumstances. Psychologists
who engage in such activity after the two years following cessation or termination of
therapy and of having no sexual contact with the former client/ patient bear the burden of
demonstrating that there has been no exploitation, in light of all relevant factors,
including ( 1) the amount of time that has passed since therapy terminated; ( 2) the
nature, duration and intensity of the therapy; ( 3) the circumstances of termination; ( 4)
the client' s/ patient' s personal history; ( 5) the client' s/ patient' s current mental status; ( 6)
the likelihood of adverse impact on the client/ patient; ( 7) any statements or actions
made by the therapist during the course of therapy suggesting or inviting the possibility
of a posttermination sexual or romantic relationship with the client/ patient.

10. 10 Terminating Therapy

a)
Psychologists terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the
client/ patient no longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit or is being harmed by
continued service.

c)
Except where precluded by the actions of clients/ patients or third -party payors,
prior to termination psychologists provide pretermination counseling and suggest
alternative service providers as appropriate.

D. FINDINGS OF FACT

Dr. Cerwonka was granted licensure by the Board on October 20, 2006. Cerwonka has
worked as a psychologist at the Veterans Administration (" VA") since 2004 and has
maintained a private practice in Lafayette, Louisiana. He also has a business
agreement with the Social Security Administration to provide evaluations of social
security disability applicants.

Cerwonka testified that he met Annetra Hebert in 2009 when she attended therapy
sessions at the VA with her significant other. Cerwonka further testified that he met with
Annetra Hebert individually after these sessions. ( Prosecution Exhibit 3, or P -Ex. 3).
Dr. Cerwonka testified that he was in a relationship with Ms. Hebert possibly as early as
2009 and cohabitated with her from 2010 to 2015. ( see also P -Ex. 3). While engaged
in a relationship with Ms. Hebert, Cerwonka hired her to work at his private practice
office. ( P -Ex. 3). Ms. Hebert continued to work for Cerwonka until 2015. ( P -Ex. 10).

Dr. Cerwonka testified that he treated Jennifer Rogers as a patient from April, 2014,
through July 13, 2015. ( P -Ex. 11, 14). Cerwonka diagnosed Ms. Rogers with Major
Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Moderate and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
Inattentive Type. ( P -Ex. 12). Ms. Rogers was also seeking therapy from Cerwonka for
marital problems. Cerwonka also treated Grant Rogers, Jennifer Rogers' husband,
individually and as part of couples' therapy from July, 2014 through June, 2015. ( P -Ex.
14 and 15). Ms. Rogers testified that she and Cerwonka began a sexual relationship
while she was his patient. Dr. Cerwonka denied having a sexual relationship with Ms.
Rogers but did admit that he was aware that Ms. Rogers developed romantic feelings
for him during the last month of their therapeutic relationship. Dr. Cerwonka stated that
he believed Ms. Rogers, during this last month of therapy, was delusional and had self-
esteem problems, noting her history of a suicide attempt. ( Defense Exhibit 13, or D -Ex.
13).

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Cerwonka admitted he employed Jennifer Rogers to work at his home in July of 2015.
P -Ex. 3). Dr. Cerwonka admitted that he received pictures from Jennifer Rogers and
that he forwarded those pictures to his email address. ( P -Ex. 3, 16). Ms. Rogers
testified that many of those pictures were pictures of her undressed. ( P -Ex. 16). Dr.
Cerwonka admitted that he communicated with Jennifer Rogers using the " WhatsApp"
application on his cell phone. ( P -Ex. 3). Ms. Rogers testified that the " WhatsApp"
application was for the purpose of texting without being traceable.

Several text messages between Ms. Rogers and Cerwonka were introduced into
evidence showing approximately 1800 messages from July 8, 2015 through July 14,
2015. ( P -Ex. 18). These communications were taking place during the time that
Jennifer Rogers was a patient of Cerwonka and during the time that she was working
for Cerwonka. ( See P -Ex. 14 showing the last date of treatment as July 13, 2015). Ms.
Rogers testified that the text messages were sexual in nature and took place at very
late hours of the night. Dr. Cerwonka disputed the nature of the texts but did not
dispute the number of texts and the time of the texts. Dr. Cerwonka also admitted that
texts were not copied or described in Ms. Rogers' patient file.

Dr. Christopher Garner testified as the treating psychologist of Cerwonka. He testified
that such a volume of texts between a psychologist and patient should have been put in
the patient's therapy notes.

Cerwonka also testified that he and Ms. Rogers went to dinner together at local
restaurants and went to his home following dinner on at least one occasion in 2015.

Cerwonka testified that on October 31, 2016, his employer, the Department of Veteran
Affairs, placed Cerwonka on Authorized Absence ( paid leave status) pending the
outcome of an Administrative Investigation Board ( AIB) regarding allegations of
misconduct. ( P -Ex. 21).

Cerwonka testified that a judicial hearing in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court, Parish
of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, was held on December 7, 2016, ( Docket No.
652936, Sec. D, Eric R. Cerwonka v. Louisiana State Board of Examiners of
Psychologists). In that hearing Judge Janice Clark ordered restrictions on Cerwonka' s
practice of psychology. Those restrictions included the following: ( 1) he could only
perform Social Security evaluations and only during certain hours of the day and with
another licensed psychologist present; ( 2) his practice must be monitored through
weekly face-to-face supervisions with a Board -approved licensed psychologist; ( 3) he
must undergo a substance abuse evaluation by a Board -approved clinician prior to
performing any evaluations; and ( 4) he must submit to regular and random drug tests as
directed by his supervisor or the Board -appointed clinician. ( See also P -Ex. 29).
Cerwonka testified that in response to this Order, he ceased seeing patients altogether.

Dr. Robert Gordon, a psychologist licensed in Pennsylvania, testified as an expert
witness for Dr. Cerwonka. He testified that Cerwonka had problems with boundaries
and mismanaged the issues of transference and countertransference with Ms. Rogers.
Gordon testified that Ms. Rogers should have been treated carefully because she was
not functioning at a high level in 2015. Gordon also testified that Cerwonka moved too
quickly from therapist to mentor or supervisor. Gordon testified that Cerwonka should
have been on guard that a patient will try to test boundaries which can result in harm to
the patient if not properly managed by the psychologist.

Dr. Sasha Lambert, the Complaints Coordinator for the Board, testified that in her
opinion Cerwonka violated the following standards of the APA Ethical Code of Conduct:

1) 2. 06 — substance abuse and abuse while seeing clients;
2) 3. 05( a)( 2) and ( a)( 3) —
Cerwonka hired a patient immediately after
terminating the therapy relationship; supervised the patient immediately
after terminating the therapy relationship; treated the patient's significant
other; terminated therapy knowing the patient had maladaptive behavior
and continued problems; the text messages did not appear therapeutic in

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nature, and, if they were, they should have been described in the patient's
file;
3) 3. 06 — Cerwonka' s relationship with Ms. Rogers blurred the line between
professional and romantic at best; Ms. Rogers should not have worked for
Cerwonka so soon after her treatment ended;
4) 3. 08 — Cerwonka' s relationship with Ms. Rogers blurred the line between
professional and romantic at best; Ms. Rogers should not have worked for
Cerwonka so soon after her treatment ended;
5) 10. 05 — Ms. Rogers testified that she and Cerwonka had a sexual
relationship immediately after terminating therapy;
6) 10. 06 — Both Ms. Rogers and Ms. Hebert testified that they and Cerwonka
had a sexual relationship while Cerwonka was treating their significant
other or immediately thereafter;
7) 10. 08 — Ms. Rogers, a former patient, testified that she and Cerwonka had
a sexual relationship immediately following the termination of therapy; the
text messages in July, 2015 suggest a romantic relationship.

Dr. Lambert concluded that Cerwonka' s primary motivation with regard to Ms. Rogers
was not the clinical practice of psychology.

E. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

Dr. Cerwonka violated La. R. S. 37: 2359(A), which provides that psychologists "... shall
conduct their activities in conformity with ethical and professional standards

promulgated by the Board under its rules and regulations," by violating sections of La.
R. S. 37: 2359 and the APA Code of Ethical Conduct standards as set forth below.

Dr. Cerwonka violated La. R. S. 37: 2359( B)( 2)( c), which provides that it shall be a
violation of psychologists to engage in " gross malpractice, repeated malpractice, or
gross negligence in the practice of psychology." Dr. Cerwonka knew or should have
known that Ms. Rogers had romantic feelings for him and failed to take appropriate
action to manage those feelings. Dr. Cerwonka knew or should have known that
Annetra Hebert was the girlfriend of his VA patient whom he was treating and should
not have engaged in a sexual relationship with her during that treatment and
immediately thereafter. Cerwonka should not have hired Ms. Rogers or Ms. Hebert
immediately after terminating the therapy relationship; should not have supervised Ms.
Rogers or Ms. Hebert immediately after terminating the therapy relationship; should not
have treated Ms. Roger's significant other; should not have terminated therapy knowing
Ms. Rogers had maladaptive behavior and continued problems; and should not have
sent 1800 text messages to Ms. Rogers without documenting such in Ms. Roger's file.

Dr. Cerwonka violated La. R. S. 37:2359( B)( 12), which provides that psychologists shall
not engage in " immoral, unprofessional or dishonorable conduct as defined in the rules
and regulations of the board," by failing to take appropriate action to manage the
feelings Ms. Rogers had for him; for engaging in a sexual relationship with Annetra
Hebert, the girlfriend of his VA patient whom he was treating; hiring Ms. Rogers or Ms.
Hebert immediately after terminating the therapy relationship; supervising Ms. Rogers or
Ms. Hebert immediately after terminating the therapy relationship; treating Ms. Roger's
significant other; terminating therapy with Ms. Rogers while knowing Ms. Rogers had
maladaptive behavior and continued problems; and sending Ms. Rogers 1800 text
messages over a one-week period without documenting such in Ms. Roger's file.

Dr. Cerwonka violated APA Ethical Code Standard 2. 06, which provides that

psychologists shall, when they become aware of personal problems that may interfere
with work- related duties, take appropriate measures. Cerwonka knew or should have
known that Ms. Rogers had romantic feelings for him and failed to take appropriate
action.

Dr. Cerwonka violated APA Ethical Code Standard 3. 04, which provides that
psychologists shall avoid harming their clients/ patients, supervisees and others with
whom they work. Cerwonka knew or should have known that Ms. Rogers had romantic
feelings for him and failed to take appropriate action.

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Dr. Cerwonka violated APA Ethical Code Standard 3. 05( a)( 2) and ( a)( 3), which provides
that a psychologist should refrain from entering into a multiple relationship if it could
reasonably be expected to risk exploitation or harm to the other. Cerwonka hired Ms.
Rogers immediately after terminating the therapy relationship; supervised her
immediately after terminating the therapy relationship; treated her significant other;
terminated therapy knowing she had maladaptive behavior and continued problems;
and sent her over 1800 text messages which did not appear therapeutic in nature and
which were not described in the patient' s file.

Dr. Cerwonka violated APA Ethical Code Standard 3. 08, which provides that
psychologists do not exploit persons over whom they have authority. Cerwonka should
not have hired Ms. Rogers both during and after psychological treatment.

Dr. Cerwonka violated APA Ethical Code Standard 10. 06, which provides that
psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with individuals they know to be
significant others of current clients/ patients, by having a sexual relationship with Annetra
Hebert after meeting with her in a therapy session involving her significant other who
was Cerwonka' s patient.

Dr. Cerwonka violated APA Ethical Code Standard 10. 10, which provides that
psychologists shall terminate therapy when it becomes clear that the client is being
harmed by continued service, by terminating Ms. Rogers' therapy in order to engage in,
at the very least, an employment relationship with her, despite the fact that her patient
records indicate that her psychological state did not recommend termination of therapy.

F. DECISION

The purpose of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists is to
regulate the practice of psychology in the State of Louisiana. The Board is charged with
maintaining standards of professional conduct and enforcing the laws and rules and
regulations pertaining to it and imposing sanctions, including suspension, revocation,
probation or other restrictions when it finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a
psychologist has violated the rules and regulations as outlined in La. R. S. 37:2359. It is
the duty of the Board to protect the public.

The Board finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Cerwonka
demonstrated a pattern of repeatedly failing to practice of psychology in an appropriate,
ethical manner. This pattern was exploitative in nature and resulted in great harm to the
public. The Board further finds that Cerwonka shows no inclination toward rehabilitation

or change; rather, throughout the trial Dr. Cerwonka continually denied any wrongdoing
or any breach of his ethical code of conduct.

The Board finds clear ethical violations by Dr. Cerwonka. The repeated
violations demonstrate a persistent, repeated failure to follow the rules and regulations
binding upon Cerwonka as a psychologist. These violations resulted in significant harm
to the public. The Board finds that Cerwonka' s actions were in violation of La. R. S.
37: 2359(A), ( B)( 2)( b),[ 21] ( 13)( 5), ( 13)( 12), ( B)( 13), ( B)( 14) and APA Ethical Standards
2. 06, 3. 04, 3. 08, 10. 05, 10. 06 and 10. 10.

Considering the law, pleadings, evidence and arguments of counsel, and for the
reasons set forth above:

IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED that:

1. Eric Cerwonka' s license to practice psychology in the State of Louisiana is
hereby revoked;

2. Eric Cerwonka will pay costs of all of these proceedings, which total
119, 991. 98, and shall consist of $ 4060. 00 for the court reporter, $ 85, 325. 13 for the

21 See n.20, supra.

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prosecuting attorney James Raines, $ 6412. 50 for the board attorney Amy Groves Lowe,
11, 610. 10 for the administrative hearing officer Lloyd J. Lunceford, $ 750 for the per
diem paid to each Board member for attendance at the hearing, $ 150 for the cost of
renting the room for the hearing, $ 375 for the cost of hotel rooms to house the board
members for attendance at the hearing, $ 4225. 11 for the investigating officer to collect
evidence, and preparation and attendance at hearing, $ 5, 700 for preparation and

attendance at hearing by Dr. Sasha Lambert, $ 344. 14 for the mileage due to the Board
members attending the hearing, and $ 1040 for hearing security officers, and these costs
must be paid within thirty ( 30) days after this ruling becomes final.

G. APPEAL RIGHTS

The Board' s decision shall become final unless the Respondent files a written motion for
rehearing, reopening or reconsideration by the Board within ten days from service of
this decision in conformity with LAC 46: LVI1. 925, or files a petition for judicial review
within thirty days of the issuance of this order, in conformity with La. R. S. 49: 964 et seq.

Signed this dayFebruary, 2017, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
oxt 7, wlyo
Darla Burnett, Ph. D.; M. P., Chair
The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists