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DesJarlais could face professional discipline over affair

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By Chris Carroll, Chattanooga Times Free Press - bio | email
DesJarlais, a freshman congressman running for re-election on a pro-life platform urged his pregnant mistress to get an abortion a decade ago, according to a transcript of the recorded conversation. DesJarlais, a freshman congressman running for re-election on a pro-life platform urged his pregnant mistress to get an abortion a decade ago, according to a transcript of the recorded conversation.

CHATTANOOGA, TN (Times Free Press) -- At least five Tennessee physicians have been disciplined for having consensual sexual relationships with patients since mid-2005, state records show.

U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Jasper, isn't one of them, despite conducting such a relationship with a patient he met on the job. His record shows no history of patient complaints, and he's still a registered family practice physician whose license doesn't expire until 2014.

But even though it's at least a decade old, a phone transcript that revealed DesJarlais pressuring his former patient to abort a pregnancy could lead to disciplinary action.

"There is no statute of limitations on filing complaints against licensed health professionals," said Shelley Walker, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Department of Health.

Read more from our news partners at the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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