Florida Nurse Has Licensed Suspended After Child Sex Abuse Arrest
As reported by the New York Post, a Florida nurse has had her professional license suspended following an arrest on child sex abuse charges. Alexis von Yates—35 years of age—stands accused of engaging in sex acts with her 15-year-old stepson. While this was not a workplace issue, it is notable that Florida has very strict regulations regarding medical professional and sexual misconduct. In this article, our West Palm Beach sexual assault and battery lawyer provides an overview of the rights of patients who have been taken advantage of by a doctor or nurse.
Medical Professionals Can Face Disciplinary Action for Sexual Misconduct in Florida
In Florida, medical professionals can lose their licenses for sexual misconduct. Indeed, the Florida Board of Medicine treats such offenses with the utmost degree of seriousness. Disciplinary action can include probation, suspension, and even the permanent revocation of a medical license.
There is a special criminal statute for physician-patient issues. Under Florida Statutes §458.331(1)(j), it is unlawful for a physician to exploit the patient-physician relationship to engage in sexual activity. The law presumes that a patient cannot give free, full, and informed consent to sexual activity with their physician—regardless of any apparent willingness.
Note: A doctor, nurse, or other medical professional in Florida could potentially face professional sanctions for off-duty sexual misconduct that results in criminal charges being filed against them.
A Medical Provider May Be Civilly Liable for Sexual Misconduct
A medical provider in Florida may face civil liability for sexual misconduct in addition to criminal or professional disciplinary consequences. Patients have the right to expect professionalism, safety, and trust in all medical interactions. When a healthcare provider violates this trust through sexual misconduct—such as inappropriate touching, unwanted sexual advances, or any other exploitation of the patient-provider relationship—they may be sued in civil court for damages. Medical employers—such as a physician practice or a hospital—could bear liability for sexual misconduct committed by an employee.
Remember, Florida law holds that consent to sexual activity with a treating medical professional is inherently compromised due to the imbalance of power. In other words, a patient cannot legally give valid consent when under the care or influence of a provider. A civil lawsuit may also be brought against the provider’s employer—such as a clinic, hospital, or practice group—if they failed to properly supervise, ignored warning signs, or failed to act on previous complaints. A civil sexual assault lawyer can help victims fight for justice and compensation.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Sex Assault Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach sexual violence lawyer is a strong, experienced, and compassionate advocate for victims. If you or your loved one was the victim of sexual assault, we can help you navigate all aspects of the civil legal claims process. Contact our firm today for a free, completely confidential consultation. With an office in West Palm Beach and an office in Miami, we represent victims throughout all of South Florida.
Source:
nypost.com/2025/05/01/us-news/florida-nurse-alexis-von-yates-revolting-excuse-to-husband-for-having-sex-with-teen-stepson/
