Doctor Accused of Negligence Faces 400 Felony Charges

In a case outside New Mexico, a doctor’s license has been suspended amidst accusations that he failed to adhere to the rules of a probationary license. Initially, the doctor’s license to practice medicine was suspended in 2014. After allegations of negligence, he was reportedly issued a probationary license in May of the following year. The issuance of that license included several conditions to which he was ordered to adhere.

According to the conditions ascribed to the probationary license issued to the doctor by the state’s Board of Medical Examiners, he was permitted to practice medicine providing that he act under the supervision of another physician. State regulators have now indefinitely suspended the doctor’s license, stating that he failed to meet the requirements of practicing with a probationary license. Sadly, the 2014 license suspension was issued after the deaths of two patients, who allegedly died from drug overdoses of narcotic medications that the doctor had prescribed.

In August 2015, the doctor was charged with 400 felony counts, including two counts of negligent homicide, to which he has entered a not guilty plea. An emergency meeting was held on a recent Tuesday after officials say they learned that the doctor was refilling prescriptions for patients without another physician’s supervision and without first seeing the patients. Before his license suspension, the doctor was practicing medicine in southwestern Montana.

Medical patients in New Mexico who have suffered injuries or illnesses due to doctor negligence may wish to consider filing medical malpractice claims in court. When one entrusts oneself to the care of a medical professional, one has the right to reasonably assume that the doctor will conduct him or herself according to the highest levels of professionalism. One has the right to seek compensation for damages when a doctor’s error or negligence has caused bodily injury or physical illness. In worst cases, those in which the death of a patient has occurred, an immediate family member may pursue legal action on behalf of his or her deceased loved one.

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