January 23, 2008

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has immediately suspended the licensed master's social work license of Thomas Joseph Higgins, L.M.S.W., L.B.S.W. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public's health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action.

The summary suspension was based, in part, on allegations that Higgins' had engaged in inappropriate physical relationships with three patients which included kissing, touching, and oral sex.

On January 11, 2008, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Higgins' license pursuant to the Public Health Code. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Higgins' licensed master's social work license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing.