WATERTOWN — A Clayton woman has filed suit against Samaritan Medical Center and one of its former doctors claiming the doctor initiated a sexual relationship with her while she was a patient.
The woman, who is identified in court documents only by initials H.V., filed state Supreme Court action Wednesday at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office against the hospital and Dr. John W. Jepma, a doctor of osteopathic medicine who now lives and practices in New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
According to the suit, the woman was a patient of Dr. Jepma’s from April 2012 through May 2016 at the Samaritan Family Health Center on Strawberry Lane in Clayton. The complaint alleges that in 2013 Dr. Jepma began a sexual relationship with the woman, which included sexual intercourse during “unchaperoned” office visits at the center. The relationship continued until 2016.
The suit, citing the state Department of Health, claims that a patient “cannot give meaningful consent to sexual contact due to the position of trust and disparity of power in the physician-patient relationship.” The suit further alleges that Dr. Jepma maintained a sexual relationships with additional female patients.
It is alleged that Samaritan “knew or should have known” about the doctor’s alleged sexual relationships with patients and that it was negligent in its duty of care for the plaintiff. It is also claimed Samaritan was negligent in its hiring, credentialing, supervision and retention of Dr. Jepma. The suit brings a medical malpractice action against Dr. Jepma individually.
It is claimed that Samaritan’s and Dr. Jepma’s actions caused the woman to experience pain and suffering, mental anguish and diminished quality of life, causing her to incur medical expenses. The suit does not specify an amount sought in damages.
Dr. Jepma did not respond to a message left Thursday at his current employer, Volusia Medical Center in New Smyrna Beach. In a prepared statement, Samaritan said that it became aware of an allegation against him in February 2018. At that time, he was suspended pending an internal investigation. During the investigation, he tendered his resignation and Samaritan states that it “reported the situation to the appropriate regulatory agencies as required by law.”
“Samaritan Health staff and providers are caring and dedicated professionals that remain committed to quality, compassionate, safe, and exceptional care for all patients,” Samaritan’s statement said. Samaritan declined further comment, citing the matter as “an employment-related and legal issue.”
The hospital has retained legal counsel from Mackenzie Hughes LLP, Syracuse. The woman is represented in the action by attorneys Michael A. Bottar, Syracuse, and Edward A. Betz, Ogdensburg.