FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ORDERS EMERGENCY LICENSE RESTRICTION OF LOCAL ACUPUNCTURIST
On July 2, 2020, the Florida Department of Health ordered the emergency restriction of the license of Sergio H. Garcia, (Dr. Garcia) to practice acupuncture in the state. Garcia is co-founder of SAGA (Service of Acupuncture Guided by Angels), located at 10718 Wiles Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33076.
According to the Emergency Order, in late April 2020, Garcia was sexually inappropriate with a female patient while giving her a treatment. After placing the needles, he gave her a full body massage, and told the patient he was giving her a tantric massage. He then “massaged” her vaginal and breast areas. On two occasions, he allegedly penetrated the patient’s vagina with his finger. According to the Order, he told her he was removing energy blocks from her body and then kissed her forehead. The Department of Health says that at no point during the session did Garcia ask permission of the patient to touch her in such a manner.
Such brazen acts are outside the scope of acupuncture practice and are considered to be sexual misconduct which is against the law. The Department of Health found Garcia’s continued unrestricted practice as an acupuncturist, poses an immediate danger to the health and well being of Florida’s citizens. As such, a proceeding for disciplinary action against Garcia will be instituted.
The stresses of life can easily overwhelm us. When patients book an acupuncture appointment it is to manage pain, decompress and relax. They trust that the acupuncturist treating them is carefully vetted and safe. It is both unacceptable and unlawful for any employee to violate the trust of patients and touch them in a sexual manner.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against health care professionals on behalf of clients who were inappropriately touched during their appointment. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery by an acupuncturist or other health care worker, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at [email protected] for a free consultation.