March 28, 2024

Dr. Stuart Hoven receives suspension from Iowa Board of Chiropractic

An Osceola chiropractor has had his license to practice in the state of Iowa suspended indefinitely.

According to an Iowa Board of Chiropractic report, Dr. Stuart J. Hoven of Clarke County Chiropractic and Winterset Family Chiropractic was accused of engaging in unethical conduct or practice harmful or detrimental to the public.

It was determined Hoven had improper sexual conduct with, or made suggestive, lewd, lascivious or improper remarks or advances to a patient.

Complaints

The allegations arose from a complaint by a female patient who said Hoven had touched her breasts during a chiropractic visit Feb. 14, 2012.

On May 11, 2012, another female patient reported she went to Hoven for chiropractic treatment in 2009 and claimed he "cupped her breast during one session and rubbed against her during a second."

The woman didn't make a complaint in 2009 because she was "embarrassed." However, in May 2012, the woman's husband saw a television newscast about Hoven and a complaint was filed against him.

Previous complaints

Hoven was issued a license to practice as a chiropractor in the state of Iowa in 2001.

In April 2005, the board found Hoven had engaged in unethical conduct when he improperly touched the breasts of two female patients and made suggestive remarks to them.

His license was then returned to full privileges in July 2010.

According to the board, before Hoven's current suspension, he was still allowed to practice but must have had a female, nonfamily member chaperon at all times when providing treatment to female patients.

Hoven was not allowed to perform any soft-tissue chiropractic treatment to female clients on or around the breast.

Comprehensive assessment

Hoven's suspension means he cannot apply for reinstatement until he completes a comprehensive assessment regarding professional sexual misconduct.

The assessment will take place at the Behavioral Medicine Institute of Atlanta, Ga.

Hoven must also pay a $75 hearing fee and $1,003.75 for court-reporter costs.

It is further ordered that not until Hoven has completed the provisions of his suspension will the board consider any application for reinstatement.

The board reserves the right to implement all additional conditions it deems necessary to ensure the public health, welfare and safety upon any reinstatement of Hoven's license.