One source of public listings of disciplined doctors
is through State Boards of Medical Examiners. With a
little searching, you can sometimes find this information on the
web. For example, you can search using an Internet search
engine such as Google.com
using the keywords "<statename> State Medical
Board".
Not all states have web-based licensure verification
systems, and even ones that do offer such services may not provide a
complete picture of Doctor disciplinary actions. Although some
information is available through services such as AIM
DocFinder (a service provided by The Association of
State Medical Board Executive Directors) the doctor license
information they provide does not necessarily indicate the full
history of disciplinary actions nor is it considered an official
verification.
Public Citizen's Health Research Group publishes
books and information (by region) on questionable doctors. You
can read more about their services at:
The most current information on current disciplinary
actions is usually obtainable via public press releases for some
Boards of Medical Examiners.
http://www.tsbme.state.tx.us/press/press.htm
Texas
State Board of Medical Examiners
2001
Press Releases
December 14,
2001
36
Doctors Disciplined
(click to link to specific
individuals)
During its December 5-8 Board meeting, the Texas State Board of
Medical Examiners disciplined 36 licensed physicians, who received
one or more of the following actions: five surrender/revocations;
14 suspensions, of which six were stayed and probated under
various terms and conditions; four restrictions; three public
reprimands; and 13 administrative penalties totaling $30,500 were
assessed. In addition, a physician’s license was temporarily
suspended on October 24. At its meeting on November 30, the Texas
State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners disciplined one
physician assistant. One PA’s license was temporarily suspended
on November 21.
Rule
Changes
The Board adopted the following proposed rule changes that were
published in the Texas Register: Chapter 163, Licensure:
new §163.13 regarding expedited licensure process. Chapter 166,
Physician Registration: Rule review and amendments to §§166.1-166.6
regarding general cleanup, CME temporary licenses, SB 1300 (30-day
grace period to practice with an expired permit) and voluntary
charity care provided to indigent populations. Chapter 173,
Physician Profiles: amendments to §173.1 relating to information
required for physician profiles and updates to Occupations Code
cites. Chapter 175, Fees, Penalties, and Applications: rule
review, proposed amendments to §§175.1-175.3, repeal, and new §175.4,
and repeal of §175.5 regarding fees, penalties, and applications.
Chapter 183, Acupuncture: amendments to §§183.2-183.6,
183.12-183.14, 183.16-183.21, pursuant to SB 643 concerning the
definition of acupuncture and acupuncturist and the authority of
an acupuncturist to treat alcoholism and chronic pain without
referral; and to update Occupations Code cites. Chapter 185,
Physician Assistants: amendments to §§185.2, 185.7, 185.17,
185.19, 185.21, 185.30, and new 185.29 regarding employment
guidelines pursuant to SB 1166 and changes concerning temporary
licenses, automatic suspension and temporary suspensions pursuant
to HB 3421. Chapter 187, Procedural Rules (new title): Repeal of
§§187.1-187.41 and new §§187.1-187.44 regarding procedures for
formal and informal board procedings. Chapter 188, Complaint
Procedure Notification: Amendment to §188.1 regarding corrections
to Spanish translation of the complaint procedure notification
form.
Proposed
Rules
The Board proposed the following rule changes for publication in
the Texas Register and comment: Chapter 161, General
Provisions: rule review and repeal and replace chapter. The
proposal will outline the purpose and function of the board,
clarify its organization and structure, and delineate each
committee’s responsibilities.
Chapter 163,
Licensure: amendments to §§163.1, 163.2, 163.3, 163.4, 163.5,
and 163.10 regarding the performance and delivery of medical
education, examinations, education and documentation requirements,
relicensure requirements, and the use of the Federation of State
Medical Board’s Credentials Verification Service (FCVS).Chapter
171, Institutional Permits — title will be changed to
Postgraduate Training Permits: amendments to §§171.1-171.7
regarding eligibility and documentation requirements of Physician
in Training Permits and Visiting Professor Permits, along with
general cleanup of the chapter. Chapter 180, Rehabilitation Orders
— repeal and replace chapter: regarding the purpose of
rehabilitation orders and the factors to be considered when
proposing and determining eligibility for a rehabilitation order.
Chapter 181,
Contact Lens Prescriptions: rule review with proposed amendments
to do general cleanup and update Occupation Code cites.
Chapter 183,
Acupuncture: proposed amendments to §183.4 regarding licensure
documentation and methods of evaluating English proficiency.
Chapter 185,
Physician Assistants: proposed amendments to §§185.4 and 185.9
regarding physician assistants not currently in active practice
and reactivation of an inactive license.
For
copies of rule changes or proposed rules, write the Board at MC
901, P.O. Box 2018, Austin, TX 78768-2018, or see the board’s
web site, www.tsbme.state.tx.us. Click on “Rules,
Regulations, and Guidelines,” then on “Board Rules,”
“Board Rule Changes” or “Proposed Board Rules.”
Disciplinary
Actions
Physicians
Bonham, Henry E., M.D., Fort Worth, TX, Lic. #D4076
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 revoking the
physician’s license. Action due to conviction of a felony or a
crime of a lesser degree that involves moral turpitude, and
unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.
Caldwell, Troy A. Jr., M.D., Rusk, TX, Lic.
#E8372
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license; however, the suspension was stayed and the
physician was placed on probation for five years under certain
terms and conditions. Action due to non-therapeutic prescribing or
treatment.
Cantu, Ernesto, M.D., San Antonio, TX, Lic.
#F7416
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license. Action due to failure to practice medicine
in an acceptable manner consistent with public health and welfare,
unprofessional or dishonorable conduct, non-therapeutic
prescribing or treatment, writing false or fictitious
prescriptions, failure to keep drug records, and failure to
supervise delegates.
Clark, Robert E. Jr., M.D., Memphis, TX, Lic.
#C3610
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 in which the physician
voluntarily and permanently surrendered his Texas medical license.
Action due to inability to practice medicine with reasonable skill
and safety to patients as a result of his physical condition or
poor health.
Collins, Rebecca N., M.D., Lewisville, TX,
Lic. #H7548
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 assessing an
administrative penalty in the amount of $4,500. Action due to
failure to practice medicine in an acceptable professional manner
consistent with public health and welfare.
Deep, Anthony M., M.D., Kerrville, TX, Lic.
#K9254
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 restricting the
physician’s license for five years under certain terms and
conditions. Action due to unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.
Farner, Robert E. Jr., M.D., Hot Springs,
AR, Lic. #K0293
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license; however, the suspension was stayed and the
physician was placed on probation for 10 years under certain terms
and conditions. Action due to conviction of a felony and the
physician’s inability to practice medicine with reasonable skill
and safety to patients as a result of a mental condition.
Fisher, Stephen N., M.D., Pittsburgh, PA,
Lic. #H9635
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license. Action due to conviction of a felony and
unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.
Fulton, Carl L., M.D., Dallas, TX, Lic.
#G6170
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license. Action due to unprofessional or
dishonorable conduct and commission of an act that violates a law
of this state connected with the practice of medicine.
Johnson, Charles F. III, M.D., Temple, TX,
Lic. #D3284
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license. Action due to inability to practice
medicine with reasonable skill and safety to patients, failure to
practice medicine in an acceptable professional manner consistent
with public health and welfare, unprofessional or dishonorable
conduct and writing false or fictitious prescriptions.
Kelley, Danny L., M.D., Pleasanton, TX, Lic.
#E1214
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 assessing an
administrative penalty in the amount of $1,000. Action due to
failure to practice medicine in an acceptable professional manner
consistent with public health and welfare.
King, John Q. T., M.D., Katy, TX, Lic.
#E2656
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license; however, the suspension was stayed and the
physician was placed on probation for seven years under certain
terms and conditions. Action due to non-therapeutic prescribing.
Landefeld, Ronald A., M.D., Hemphill, TX,
Lic. #E3988
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license. Action due to disciplinary action by
another state.
Liegel, Joyce M., M.D., Houston, TX, Lic.
#J9592
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 in which the physician
was assessed an administrative penalty in the amount of $500.
Action due to violation of Board rules.
Marquis, Alejandro F., M.D., Austin, TX, Lic.
#K1248
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 assessing an administrative
penalty in the amount of $500. Action due to failure to practice
medicine in an acceptable professional manner consistent with
public health and welfare.
Martin, Linda R., D.O., Willis, TX, Lic.
#F5296
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license; however, the suspension was stayed and the
physician was placed on probation for four years under certain
terms and conditions. Action due to unprofessional or dishonorable
conduct, failure to adequately supervise the activities of those
acting under her supervision, and by delegating professional
medical responsibility or acts to a person who the physician knew
or had reason to know was not qualified by training, experience,
or licensure to perform the responsibility or acts.
McCorkle, Brandt H., D.O., Abilene, TX, Lic.
#F4260
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 publicly reprimanding
the physician and assessing an administrative penalty in the
amount of $1,000. Action due to unprofessional or dishonorable
conduct.
McMeans, Pat M., M.D., Euless, TX, Lic.
#G8916
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 restricting the
physician’s license under certain terms and conditions. Action
due to failure to practice medicine in an acceptable professional
manner consistent with public health and welfare.
Medina, Amante D., M.D., Keene, TX, Lic.
#E4521
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 in which the physician
voluntarily surrendered his Texas medical license.
Meshel, William N., M.D., El Paso, TX, Lic.
#E9306
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 assessing an administrative
penalty in the amount of $1,000. Action due to aiding and abetting
the unlicensed practice of medicine.
Mubarak, Jamal, M.D., Denton, TX, Lic.
#K6658
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 assessing an administrative
penalty in the amount of $2,500. Action due to violation of Board
rules.
Norris, David F., D.O., Rusk, TX, Lic.
#D2817
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 assessing an administrative
penalty in the amount of $500. Action due to violation of Board
rules.
Offenbach, Howard A., M.D., Dallas, TX, Lic.
#F4335
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license. Action due to unprofessional or
dishonorable conduct.
Ore, Victor R., M.D., Houston, TX, Lic.
#E2309
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 restricting the
physician’s license under certain terms and conditions. Action
due to non-therapeutic prescribing.
Pang, Shing Y., M.D., Dallas, TX, Lic.
#J1124
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license. Action due to intemperate use of alcohol or
drugs and unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.
Pensom, Keith P., D.O., Farmers Branch, TX,
Lic. #K9387
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license; however, the suspension was stayed and the
physician was placed on probation for five years under certain
terms and conditions. Action due to conviction of a felony or
crime of a lesser degree that involves moral turpitude,
unprofessional or dishonorable conduct and failure to practice
medicine in an acceptable manner consistent with public health and
welfare.
Payne, John B., D.O., Euless, TX, Lic.
#H5943
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 assessing an administrative
penalty in the amount of $1,000. Action due to disciplinary action
by peers.
Rabinowitz, Andrew L., M.D., Phoenix, AZ,
Lic. #K6253
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 suspending the
physician’s license; however, the suspension was stayed and the
physician was placed on probation under certain terms and
conditions. Action due to writing false or fictitious
prescriptions for dangerous drugs and disciplinary action taken in
another state.
Smith, George R. Jr., M.D., Mount Pleasant,
TX, Lic. #H8411
A Temporary Suspension Order was entered on 10-24-01 temporarily
suspending the physician’s license due to evidence and
information that the physician’s continuation in the practice of
medicine would constitute a continuing threat to public welfare.
The allegations related to the application for temporary
suspension are to be the subject of a disciplinary hearing as soon
as can be accomplished under the Administrative Procedure Act and
Medical Practice Act.
Stevens, James B., M.D., Dallas, TX, Lic.
#J3910
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 in which the physician
voluntarily and permanently surrendered his Texas medical license.
Action due to inabililty to practice medicine with reasonable
skill and safety to patients because of excessive use of drugs,
narcotics, chemicals, or another substance.
Swe, Ni Ni, M.D., Bedford, TX, Lic. #H2970
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 subjecting the physician to
certain terms and conditions for five years. Action due to failure
to practice medicine in an acceptable professional manner
consistent with public health and welfare, disciplinary action by
peers, non-therapeutic prescribing or treatment and administering
dangerous or controlled drugs in an improper manner.
Tolia, Nalin H., M.D., Odessa, TX, Lic.
#E2374
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 publicly reprimanding the
physician and assessing an administrative penalty in the amount of
$10,000. Action due to failure to practice medicine in an
acceptable professional manner consistent with public health and
welfare.
Venegas, Carlos, M.D., Dallas, TX, Lic.
#K0566
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 assessing an administrative
penalty in the amount of $5,000. Action due to unprofessional or
dishonorable conduct that is likely to deceive or defraud the
public or injure the public.
West, George R., M.D., Nocona, TX, Lic.
#H0925
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 publicly reprimanding the
physician, assessing an administrative penalty in the amount of
$2,500 and restsricting the physician’s license under certain
terms and conditions. Action due to unprofessional or dishonorable
conduct and non-therapeutic prescribing or treatment.
Williams, Michael Lee, M.D., Palestine, TX,
Lic. #H5995
An Agreed Order was entered on 12-7-01 assessing an administrative
penalty in the amount of $500. Action due to violation of Board
rules.
Wurtsbaugh, Ronald B., M.D., Austin, TX, Lic.
#G1587
On 12-7-01, the Board voted to order the revocation of Dr.
Wurtsbaugh’s Texas medical license. Action based on failure to
practice medicine in an acceptable manner and unprofessional
conduct. Dr. Wurtsbaugh may file a Motion for Rehearing within 20
days of the order. If a motion is filed and the Board denies the
motion the order is final. If a motion is filed and the Board
grants the motion the order is not final and a hearing will be
scheduled.
Physician
Assistants
Herd, Anthony J., P.A., South Padre Island, TX, Lic. #PA01865
An Agreed Order was entered on 11-30-01 publicly reprimanding the
physician assistant. Action due to failure to practice as a
physician assistant in an acceptable professional manner
consistent with public health and welfare.
Webb, Randall G., P.A., Lubbock, TX, Lic.
#PA03070
A Temporary Suspension Order was entered on 11-21-01 temporarily
suspending the physician assistant’s license due to evidence and
information that the physician assistant’s continuation in the
practice of medicine would constitute a continuing threat to
public welfare by intemperate use of alcohol and drugs,
unprofessional conduct and violation of Agreed Order. The
allegations related to the application for temporary suspension
are to be the subject of a disciplinary hearing as soon as can be
accomplished under the Administrative Procedure Act and Medical
Practice Act.
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