South Carolina Physician Faces License Restrictions After Sexual Misconduct
When a medical board investigates a claim of inappropriate conduct with a patient, everything you’ve built—your reputation, your practice, and your ability to earn a living—can feel like it’s suddenly on the line. Sexual misconduct allegations are among the most serious issues a physician can face, and even if no criminal charges are filed, licensing boards may still move forward with discipline. These cases often arise from misunderstandings, blurred boundaries, or a single lapse in judgment, yet they can lead to public sanctions or practice restrictions.
If your license is at risk because of allegations of boundary violations or misconduct, call our Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us via our consultation form, and we will help you protect your career. The LLF National Law Firm represents licensed professionals nationwide.
When Sexual Misconduct Allegations Lead to Licensing Action
In South Carolina, the State Board of Medical Examiners issued a final order against Charleston physician Dr. Jeffrey George Schultze after finding that he engaged in sexual misconduct with a long-term patient. According to the board’s order, the patient reported three encounters in which he requested to see or touch her breasts without medical justification, and a later encounter escalated into more serious sexual activity that she audio-recorded. She said she felt compelled to comply because Dr. Schultze was one of the only physicians in the area providing the critical pain treatment she needed.
Although police determined the interactions were consensual and declined to file charges, the licensing investigation continued. Schultze admitted to the conduct, and the board imposed a one-year suspension (stayed), probation, permanent chaperone requirements, employer reporting, and investigative costs. The board emphasized that even consensual sexual activity between a doctor and patient violates ethical duties and undermines trust.
Why Boards Act Even When Criminal Charges Aren’t Filed
Many accused physicians assume that if a police department closes a case or finds no criminal wrongdoing, the licensing board will do the same. Unfortunately, regulatory systems don’t operate that way. Boards focus on patient safety, ethical duties, and professional boundaries, not criminal guilt. They may discipline a licensee for conduct they believe reflects impaired judgment, exploitation, or misuse of authority, even when both parties describe the interaction as consensual.
In cases involving long-term patients, individuals with mental health vulnerabilities, or those dependent on the professional for critical care, boards often treat any boundary crossing as inherently coercive.
In these situations, licensed healthcare professionals can end up with:
- Mandatory chaperones
- Restrictions on patient populations
- Required evaluations
- Long-term probation
- Public disciplinary records
What to Do If You’re a Physician Accused of Sexual Misconduct
The Professional License Defense Team at LLF National Law Firm understands how high the stakes are. Whether the allegation is false, exaggerated, based on a misunderstanding, or stems from conduct you regret, we know how to navigate the process and protect what matters most: your license and your livelihood. A licensing case is not a situation you should handle on your own. Boards have broad authority, and their decisions can reshape your future for years.
If you’re facing allegations that threaten your medical license, call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential contact form, and we will stand with you through every step of the process. Our Professional License Defense Team defends licensed professionals nationwide.