Healthcare Licensure Update
15845
post-template-default,single,single-post,postid-15845,single-format-standard,bridge-core-1.0.5,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode_grid_1300,qode-child-theme-ver-1.0.0,qode-theme-ver-18.1,qode-theme-bridge,qode_header_in_grid,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-6.7.0,vc_responsive
 

Healthcare Licensure Update

Healthcare concept

Healthcare Licensure Update

by Sam Helmbrecht

AUGUST 2024 HEALTH RELATED BOARD ACTIONS

(The following are summaries of the disciplinary orders published by the Tennessee Department of Health. Please see the official final/consent orders for the specific terms of all disciplinary actions.)

License: MD

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: Respondent was charged with felony assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, home invasion, and firearm discharge in or at a building in Wayne County, Indiana. Respondent was convicted of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, home invasion, firearm discharge at or in a building, and three (3) counts of felony firearms charges. In February 2024 Respondent was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment.

Discipline: Voluntary Surrender of License

Hearing or Agreed: Agreed

Civil Penalties: $0

Costs: Capped at $500

OGC: Kendrick

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1606_62697_073124 *************************************************************************************************

License: MD

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: Respondent failed to adequately safeguard PHI while practicing pre-authorization radiology. Respondent was disciplined by the Maryland State Board of Physicians and Maryland medical license placed on probation for 18 months, required to complete courses on ethics and medical recordkeeping, and pay a $10,000 fine.

Discipline: Respondent’s Tennessee medical license was placed on probation to run concurrently with Maryland probation.

Hearing or Agreed: Agreed

Civil Penalties: $0

Costs: $5,000

OGC: Morgan

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1606_42192_073124 *************************************************************************************************

License: MD

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health suspended Respondent’s Nebraska medical license for six months for allegedly displaying concerning behavior in April 2023 and yielding a positive blood alcohol test after reporting to work on or about May 1, 2023. The Maryland State Board of Physicians suspended Respondent’s Maryland medical license until such a time as Respondent’s Nebraska medical license is reinstated.

Discipline: Respondent’s Tennessee medical license is suspended and Respondent may petition for an order of compliance when Respondent’s Nebraska medical license is reinstated without restrictions or encumbrances.

Hearing or Agreed: Agreed

Civil Penalties: $0

Costs: $5,000

OGC: Kendrick

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1606_65984_073124 *************************************************************************************************

License: MD

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: Respondent was disciplined in 2017 for improper prescribing of controlled substances for the treatment of chronic pain. Respondent was disciplined in 2022 for failing to respond to a Top 20 Prescriber of Buprenorphine Products. Respondent violated both previous disciplinary orders. Department reviewed 15 of Respondent’s patient charts. The review found that Respondent prescribed large doses of Subutex, Suboxone, opioids, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, and other medications. The amount and/or duration of the prescriptions were not medically necessary, advisable, or justified for a diagnosed condition. The prescription of Subutex rather than Suboxone was not justified and exceeded the recommended 16mg daily dose without justification. Respondent failed to adequately document a treatment plan and diagnosis. Respondent prescribed a controlled substance without an office visit. Respondent failed to document UDS and counsel patients on anomalous UDS.

Discipline: Respondent voluntarily surrendered Respondent’s medical license effective on December 31, 2024, and shall not seek reinstatement. From August to December 2024, Respondent shall make efforts to ensure the continuation of care for Respondent’s patients.

Hearing or Agreed: Agreed

Civil Penalties: $0

Costs: Capped at $1,000

OGC: Dolan

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1606_19142_073124 *************************************************************************************************

License: MD

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: The Department reviewed nine of Respondent’s patient charts. The review found that Respondent prescribed narcotics, benzodiazepines, and other controlled substances for durations not advisable for a diagnosed condition, without documenting a complete history, without performing a comprehensive physical examination, or confirming a current diagnosis that justified an opioid. Respondent failed to show adequate decision-making for prescribing controlled substances. Some of Respondent’s handwritten notes were illegible. Respondent failed to document UDS and counsel patients on anomalous UDS.

Discipline: Respondent’s medical license was reprimanded. Respondent must complete the VUMC controlled substance prescribing course and the Case Western medical documentation course. Respondent is prohibited from prescribing opioids for six months or collaborating with an APRN or PA for the prescription of an opioid.

Hearing or Agreed: Agreed

Civil Penalties: $1,000

Costs: Capped at $25,000

OGC: Harleman

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1606_35471_073124 *************************************************************************************************

License: MD

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: Pursuant to a previous May 2023 disciplinary order, Respondent was required to pay $4,198.22 in civil penalties and costs by July 24, 2024. Respondent paid the outstanding amount on July 29, 2024.

Discipline: Respondent’s medical license was reprimanded.

Hearing or Agreed: Hearing (ALJ Summers)

Civil Penalties: $100

Costs: Capped at $3,000

OGC: Morgan

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1606_36632_073124  *************************************************************************************************

License: ADMX

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: Respondent practiced for 14 months with an expired license.

Discipline: Respondent’s x-ray operator license was reprimanded.

Hearing or Agreed: Agreed

Civil Penalties: $700

Costs: Capped at $1,000

OGC: Morgan

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1637_9241_073124  *************************************************************************************************

License: MD

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: Respondent was the medical director of a pain management clinic. Respondent previously surrendered the pain management clinic’s license within a consent order. The previous consent order also required Respondent to refer the clinic’s patients to another provider by September 2023. The Department conducted a follow-up review of 21 patient records. Respondent was unable to produce the 21 patient charts.

Discipline: Respondent’s medical license was put on probation for two years. Respondent must complete the Case Western course on medical documentation.

Hearing or Agreed: Hearing (Summers)

Civil Penalties: $700

Costs: Capped at $10,000

OGC: Dolan

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1606_27354_073124  *************************************************************************************************

License: MD

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: Respondent entered into a 2023 consent order arising out of a DEA investigation and finding of the improper maintenance of controlled substances. Respondent failed to comply with the terms of the 2023 consent order, specifically, the attendance of certain coursework and the updating of Respondent’s information on file with the Board.

Discipline: Respondent’s medical license was suspended until Respondent complies with the 2023 consent order.

Hearing or Agreed: Agreed

Civil Penalties: $350

Costs: Capped at $3,000

OGC: Kendrick

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1606_19193_073124  *************************************************************************************************

License: ADMX

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: Respondent practiced for 20 months with an expired license.

Discipline: Respondent’s x-ray operator license was reprimanded.

Hearing or Agreed: Agreed

Civil Penalties: $1,000

Costs: Capped at $1,000

OGC: Morgan

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1637_11294_073124   *************************************************************************************************

License: MD

Date: July 31, 2024

Facts: Respondent is the medical director of a medical spa initially licensed on May 7, 2024. The medical spa operated without a license from approximately January 2018 to April 15, 2024

Discipline: Respondent’s medical license was reprimanded.

Hearing or Agreed: Agreed

Civil Penalties: $3,800

Costs: Capped at $2,000

OGC: Kendrick

Copy of Department Posted Order: 1606_31287_073124  *************************************************************************************************