Following Relationship With Former Patient, RI “Chemical Dependency Professional” Suspended

Following Relationship With Former Patient, RI “Chemical Dependency Professional” Suspended

A “chemical dependency professional” in Rhode Island has had her license suspended following an investigation by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). 

This week, RIDOH reported that Colleen Carpender was suspended on May 13, 2025, after Carpender was the subject of multiple complaints charging her with violations of the Chemical Dependency Professionals Practice Act and the Chemical Dependency Professionals Rules. 

This is the 29th disciplinary action by RIDOH against a licensed healthcare professional since March 25.

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About Case

According to RIDOH, Carpender was employed as an assistant clinical director at Zinnia Health in Exeter. 

“Patient A was a patient at Zinnia Health from December 2023 until at least June of 2024,” wrote RIDOH. “[Carpender] performed functions under their chemical dependency professional license for Patient A at Zinnia Health.” 

“As of June 28, 2024, [Carpender] was having a personal relationship with Patient A, a former patient of Zinnia Health," RIDOH continued. 

According to RIDOH, the "conduct described….constitutes unprofessional conduct pursuant to [the] Chemical Dependency Professionals Act, [the] Chemical Dependency Professionals Rules, and the Rhode Island Certification Board Code of Ethical Conduct”.

Carpender was issued a four-month suspension and is required to complete continuing education on the topics of ethics in order to appeal to be reinstated, at which time she would remain on probation for two years.