Moses Lake chiropractor suspended for alleged misconduct

A Moses Lake chiropractor’s license was suspended in August for multiple counts of unprofessional conduct, improper documentation of care, and sexual misconduct, the Washington State Department of Health announced Tuesday in a release.

Richard L. Ribellia, who had a practice on Broadway Avenue, allegedly treated about 11 patients inappropriately, including unnecessarily exposing and touching patients’ private areas while conducting examinations, records stated.

A hearing July 5-13 by the state Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission determined Ribellia’s license to practice as a chiropractor should be suspended for at least 42 months (3.5 years) starting Aug. 26.

Ribellia may not petition for reinstatement of his credential until he successfully complies with terms and conditions, including: attend and receive an unconditional pass from the Professional/Problem Based Ethics Course (PROBE), get a psycho-sexual evaluation, pass the Special Purpose Examination for Chiropractic (SPEC), pay a $5,000 fine, pass the commissioner’s jurisprudence examination and pay the $100 cost, and complete 12 hours of continuing education.

Ribellia’s credential will be on probation for 60 months (five years) when his credential is reinstated (after he’s completed requirements) and he must tell patients about the commission’s order before patients have an appointment. He also must have a female chaperone who is not related to him when treating women. Additionally, the commission may audit records and review his workplace unannounced four times per year, among other things.