An East Lansing chiropractor’s license has been suspended because of an inappropriate relationship with a patient, according to the state Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

Fernando Ponce, who practices at Caring Through Chiropractic, 411 W. Lake Lansing Road, will lose his license for six months and one day beginning Feb. 20.

Ponce’s office said he declined to comment. His attorney, Barry Furgason, could not be reached for comment.

The Michigan Board of Chiropractic Disciplinary Subcommittee ruled Jan. 18 that Ponce acted in violation of public health codes by engaging in a sexual relationship with a patient from May 1998 to December 1998 during scheduled chiropractic appointments.

Ponce will have to reapply to the Michigan Board of Chiropractic to get his license back.

The subcommittee orders a license suspension when it believes the public’s health, safety and welfare warrant emergency action, according to a Department of Consumer and Industry Services press release.