CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Department of Health has reprimanded a doctor who reportedly slapped the backsides of several inmates he examined at the ACI last year.

Dr. Morris Elevado was cited by the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline last week following an investigation into the claims, according to a consent order obtained by 12 News.

Elevado was providing medical services to inmates in the ACI’s maximum security facility at the time of the alleged incidents, all of which happened in April 2022.

The order accuses Elevado of slapping the backsides of at least five inmates on their way out of the examination room. Elevado also reportedly made an inappropriate comment during an inmate’s medical examination.

Each of the alleged incidents were captured on the prison’s closed circuit television cameras, according to the consent order.

The order states that Elevado acknowledged slapping several inmates on the backside. Elvado also stated he made “…a comment to one of the patients about a digital rectal exam.”

“He claimed it was not intended to be offensive and was intended to make the patient laugh,” the order reads.

Elevado was formally reprimanded for unprofessional conduct and ordered to undergo “ethics and boundary” training at his own expense. The administrative fees for the training will cost Elevado $1,137, according to the consent order.

J.R. Ventura, a spokesperson for the R.I. Department of Corrections, told 12 News that Elevado was a third-party contractor who hasn’t worked at the ACI since April 2022.

Paul Galamaga, Elevado’s attorney, said his client does not agree with the licensing board’s determination.

“The consent order acknowledges there is clear video of Dr. Elevado’s interactions with the patients,” he said. “That video demonstrates the minimal and innocent nature of any contact between Dr. Elevado and his patients.”

Galamaga said Elevado agreed to the consent order to “put this matter behind him.”

“Dr. Elevado is a fine doctor, and he looks forward to continuing to provide excellent medical care to his patients,” Galamaga added.