TRENTON, N.J. — The State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners has permanently revoked the license of Danny O. Steffens, a North Jersey physical therapist, following his admission to having a sexual relationship with a patient and allegations of inappropriate behavior toward another, officials announced Thursday.
Steffens, who practiced at facilities in New Milford and Fort Lee, agreed to the permanent license revocation to resolve complaints filed by two female patients. The disciplinary action follows an investigative inquiry held on October 22, during which Steffens admitted to engaging in multiple sexual encounters with one patient, identified as “Patient #1,” while treating her. He also acknowledged sending her sexual text messages and explicit photos of himself.
The second patient, identified as “Patient #2,” alleged that Steffens made inappropriate comments while treating her, though Steffens testified that he could not recall the remarks.
“Protecting patients from sexual exploitation at the hands of healthcare professionals is a commitment we take seriously,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement. “The action announced today demonstrates our continued success in working with our professional licensing boards to investigate and remove sexual predators from our professional ranks.”
Cari Fais, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, added, “Any sexual activity between a healthcare practitioner and a patient is an egregious exploitation of trust that violates the most basic rules of professional conduct and can cause long-lasting harm to the patient.”
The Board determined that Steffens’ conduct constituted gross negligence, gross malpractice, and professional misconduct, endangering public health and safety. Steffens is permanently barred from practicing physical therapy in New Jersey.
This revocation underscores the state’s commitment to holding healthcare professionals accountable for breaches of trust and misconduct.