Ms Alex Caitlin Draper – Alcohol and Drug Clinician / Therapist – Permanent Prohibition Order
7 March 2022
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (the Commission) investigated the conduct of Ms Alex Caitlin Draper, an unregistered Alcohol and Drug Clinician who was alleged to have engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a patient at when working at an addiction treatment facility in northern NSW between August and November 2019.
The investigation substantiated the allegations, finding that Ms Draper had an inappropriate intimate relationship with a patient, placing her own needs and desires above those of her highly vulnerable client. Her conduct contributed to deterioration of his mental health.
The Commission determined that Ms Draper poses a risk to public health or safety due to the seriousness of her boundary transgressions and her limited insight into the consequences of such conduct.
The Commission imposed a Prohibition Order under section 41A(2) of the Health Care Complaints Act 1993, preventing Ms Draper from delivering any health services for a minimum period of 3 years. After this 3 year period Ms Draper may seek to have the order lifted and would need to demonstrate awareness of the risks posed by violation of boundaries by their health care professionals and that she has completed appropriate ethics and conduct training.
Further Information
For further information, contact the Executive Officer of the Health Care Complaints Commission, on 9219 7444 or send an email to media@hccc.nsw.gov.au.
The information in this media release is correct at the time of publication. Orders may change; for example, conditions may no longer apply. For current information regarding the status of a registered health practitioner, including any conditions that currently apply, please check the National Register at www.ahpra.gov.au.
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