After Hundreds of Inappropriate Texts to Former Patient, RI Health Professional Surrenders License

After Hundreds of Inappropriate Texts to Former Patient, RI Health Professional Surrenders License

A health professional in Rhode Island has surrendered her license after admitting to a sexual relationship with a former patient - and sending "hundreds of inappropriate texts" in a month-long period. 

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Jacqueline Tillman has been licensed to practice as a clinical social worker in the state since 2023; she was employed at Mellem Clinic LLC on Waterman Street in Providence through April 2025. 

According to RIDOH, “On or about April 18, 2025, [Tillman] violated professional boundaries by engaging in sexual activities with her former patient (Patient A),” wrote RIDOH in “Findings of Fact” order signed by Tillman on June 6, 2025 - and ratified by the Center for Professional Boards and Licensing on October 20, 2025. 

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“In electronic communications sent by [Tillman] to Patient A in April 2025, [Tillman] expressed romantic and/or sexual feelings for Patient A…RIDOH received complaints from Mellem Clinic’s clinical director and Patient A concerning [Tillman’s] sexual activity and electronic communications with Patient A,” RIDOH continued. 

 

About Investigation

RIDOH said an investigation was conducted, and it was determined that Tillman “sent Patient A hundreds of unprofessional electronic communications in April 2025/“

According to RIDOH, the conduct described violates subsections of RI General Laws 5-39 1-10 if a licensed health professional “has engaged in or solicited sexual relations with a client, or committed an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct against a past or current client.”

The consent order states that Tillman “wishes to avoid [a] summary suspension of her license…and agrees to voluntarily enter into a consent order to surrender her license."