An experienced Hastings psychologist has been found guilty of professional misconduct and fined $10,000.
The psychologist was also named in a decision released by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal on Tuesday.
The tribunal says among other things, Nicholas Owen Drury failed to provide written assessments, passed over a client in crisis to a duty worker without ensuring he could be contacted, made derogatory comments to social workers and was sarcastic to team members.
It says taken together, the behaviour of the 63-year-old psychologist was of concern, although he was entitled to credit for accepting the charge.
It says Mr Drury has worked as a psychologist for 32 years, including at the Hawke's Bay District Health Board for nine years, until shortly before the hearing in November last year when he resigned.
Mr Drury will have to be supervised for 18 months if he resumes work as a psychologist.
