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BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS vs. LAWRENCE E. URBAN, 86-002112 (1986)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 86-002112 Latest Update: Sep. 24, 1986

Findings Of Fact At all times relevant hereto Lawrence D. Urban was a licensed osteopathic physician in Florida having been issued license number OS 001232. From January 1983 through at least March 17, 1984, Respondent maintained offices in Clearwater and Zephyrhills. He practiced in the Clearwater office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week and in the Zephyrhills office on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Respondent employed Wendell Bloom to work in the Zephyrhills office as a business manager and assistant to Respondent. Bloom had no medically related license such as physician's assistant, nurse, technician, etc. As an assistant to Respondent, Bloom drew blood, performed vascular analyses, mixed IV solutions, and administered IV solutions. He worked at the Zephyrhills office Monday through Friday. Bloom had standing orders from Respondent that if a new patient came in Bloom would draw a blood sample, send it to the lab for analysis and make an appointment for the patient to see Respondent when the results of the blood analysis was received. Respondent described his practice in Zephyrhills as holistic, involving nutrition, chelation, and cancer therapy using laetril. Chelation treatment involves the intravenous injections of solutions containing EDTA (Ethylenadiaminetetracetic acid), vitamins, including B12, B complex and C, and the minerals, calcium and magnesium. On many occasions Bloom commenced IV chelation injections containing EDTA before Respondent arrived at the office and completed some of these after Respondent had left the office. On at least five (5) occasions Bloom injected patients with IV solutions containing EDTA without Respondent being present any time during the procedure. Drawing blood without a doctor present in the office constitutes the practice of medicine. Injecting IV solutions in patients constitutes the practice of medicine without a doctor present. In the Zephyrhills office Respondent referred to Bloom as Dr. Bloom in the presence of patients. No sign or disclaimer was posted in the office that Bloom had no prior medical training and was not licensed in any medically related health professional field in Florida. Respondent knew that patients might believe Bloom to be a medical doctor. In administering an IV solution to a patient there is always a danger of an allergic reaction or an anaphylactic reaction, even if a patient has previously tolerated the treatment. Respondent acknowledged that serious side affects would result to a patient receiving an IV solution containing EDTA if the patient suffered kidney failure. Bloom also operated the vascular analyzer machine in the office. As described by Bloom, by attaching clips from the machine to the fingers and toes the machine will tell you if there is any kind of clotting or obstruction any place within the cardiovascular system. Further, by putting transmission gel on the clip and holding it over an artery, transmissions from the clip with the return echo is transformed onto a chart which will denote the elasticity of the artery. This machine is not universally accepted in the medical profession. By Final Order entered August 26, 1983 (Exhibit 1) the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners found Respondent guilty of filing false reports, fee splitting, and abetting an unlicensed person to practice osteopathic medicine. He was sentenced to a reprimand, placed on probation for six (6) months and directed to report to the Board at the end of the probationary period. If, at this time, Respondent's report on the status of his practice satisfies the Board that the financial aspects of his practice is in accordance with the law, the reprimand will be withdrawn. Terms and conditions of the probation were not delineated. Respondent appeared before the Board at its March 17, 1984 meeting. After Respondent reported that the financial aspects of his practice were poor, but in conformity with the law, one of the Board members inquired if Respondent was working with any non-osteopathic physicians in his practice, which was one of the accusations for which he was reprimanded and placed on probation. At this point Respondent told the Board that he had a helper who was a "non- anything" who was drawing blood, doing vascular analyses of patients, giving IVs to patients undergoing chelation therapy and whatever Respondent told him to do. (Exhibit 2) After hearing these disturbing facts the Board voted to extend the Respondent's probation while an investigation of his practice was conducted. The charges considered at this hearing were those resulting from that investigation.

Florida Laws (3) 120.57120.68459.015
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BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS vs. DAVID STURDIVANT, 87-001180 (1987)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 87-001180 Latest Update: Feb. 08, 1988

Findings Of Fact Prior to and during part of 1983 Dr. Sturdivant practiced as an osteopathic physician. Dr. Sturdivant operated an office in Bradenton, Florida. Sometime during 1983 Dr. Sturdivant met and discussed employment with Dr. Daniel Clark. Dr. Clark operated the Total Health Care Clinic Center (hereinafter referred to as the "Center"), in Ormond Beach, Volusia County, Florida. Dr. Clark had been licensed as a physician in Florida. Dr. Clark's license to practice medicine in Florida was revoked, however, on April 21, 1983. As a result of his discussions with Dr. Clark, Dr. Sturdivant practiced medicine at the Center four days a week during most of 1983. One day a week Dr. Sturdivant continued to work out of his office in Bradenton. Sometime during 1984 Dr. Sturdivant left the Center. He did not return to the Center until 1985. During the early part of 1985 Dr. Sturdivant returned to the Center where he worked full time as the Center's Medical Director. Dr. Sturdivant worked at the Center from at least March 27, 1985 to at least June 22, 1985. During the period of time during 1985 that Dr. Sturdivant acted as the Medical Director of the Center, Dr. Clark's title was Administrator of the Center. During the period of time after April 21, 1983, that Dr. Sturdivant was employed at the Center Dr. Sturdivant knew or had reason to know that Dr. Clark's license to practice medicine in the State of Florida had been revoked. During the portion of 1985 that Dr. Sturdivant was employed as the Medical Director of the Center Dr. Sturdivant was aware that he was responsible for the medical care of patients seen at the Center. Ms. Judy Baxley was seen as a patient at the Center several times beginning in March, 1985, while Dr. Sturdivant was the Medical Director. Ms. Baxley was treated for asthma and a "yeast" infection. Ms. Baxley was seen by Dr. Clark on some of her visits. She received medical tests and treatments at the direction of Dr. Clark, as evidenced, at least in part, by progress notes signed by Dr. Clark. Ms. Shirley Van Gampler was seen as a patient at the Center on May 8, 1985, while Dr. Sturdivant was the Medical Director of the Center. Ms. Van Gampler was seen by Dr. Clark as a patient. Dr. Clark's treatment of Ms. Van Gampler included examination, testing and diagnosis, as evidenced, at least in part, by progress notes signed by Dr. Clark. Mr. Douglas Cutsail was seen as a patient at the Center in April, 1985, while Dr. Sturdivant was the Medical Director. Mr. Cutsail had a history of heart attacks and hypertension. He went to the Clinic in an effort to control his high blood pressure. Dr. Clark treated Mr. Cutsail as a patient, performing tests on Mr. Cutsail and directing chelation therapy treatments of Mr. Cutsail's medical problems. Dr. Clark signed the progress notes on Mr. Cutsail. Dr. Sturdivant also signed the progress notes but his signature was added at a later date after Dr. Clark had already treated Mr. Cutsail. Ms. Eileen Deasy was seen as a patient at the Center in April, 1985, while Dr. Sturdivant was the Medical Director of the Center. Dr. Clark treated Ms. Deasy as a patient, as evidenced by progress notes signed by Dr. Clark. Ms. Lonna Sloan was seen as a patient at the Center in April, 1985, while Dr. Sturdivant was the Medical Director of the Center. Ms. Sloan, who is now deceased, had breast cancer at the time she was seen by Dr. Clark. Ms. Sloan was treated as a patient by Dr. Clark. The treatment received by Ms. Sloan was substandard treatment. Dr. Sturdivant allowed Dr. Clark to exercise professional medical responsibilities during 1985 while Dr. Sturdivant was the Medical Director of the Center and with knowledge that Dr. Clark was not licensed to carry out those responsibilities.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that Dr. Sturdivant's license to practice in the State of Florida be suspended for a period of one (1) year. It is further, RECOMMENDED that the recommended suspension of Dr. Sturdivant's license for one (1) year be stayed and set aside and that he be placed on probation for a period of three (3) years in lieu thereof. During the period that Dr. Sturdivant is on probation, he should be required to work under the supervision of an osteopathic physician. He should not work in any supervisory capacity. During the period of his probation, Dr. Sturdivant and his supervisor should submit quarterly written reports of Dr. Sturdivant's employment activities. DONE and ENTERED this 8th day of February, 1988, in Tallahassee, Florida. LARRY J. SARTIN Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 8th day of February, 1988. APPENDIX The parties have submitted proposed findings of fact. It has been noted below which proposed findings of fact have been generally accepted and the paragraph number(s) in the Recommended Order where they have been accepted, if any. Those proposed findings of fact which have been rejected and the reason for their rejection have also been noted. The Petitioner's Proposed Findings of Fact Proposed Finding Paragraph Number in Recommended Order of Fact of Acceptance or Reason for Rejection 1 Stipulated to by the parties. 2 3. 2 and 4. 5 and 6. 5 6. 6 7. 7 8. 8 9. 9 10. 10 11. 11 12. 12-13 13. This is a conclusion of law. Lonna Sloan's deposition is hearsay. It has been accepted only to the extent that it corroborates the testimony of Dr. Smith and Petitioner's exhibit 3, the progress notes on Ms. Sloan. Summary of testimony. Cumulative and hearsay. The Respondent's Proposed Findings of Fact Not supported by the weight of the evidence and irrelevant. The evidence established that Dr. Sturdivant was aware that Dr. Clark's license to practice in Florida had been revoked. Whether Dr. Clark had a license to practice in Georgia is irrelevant. The evidence failed to prove this contention. The evidence did prove that some of the products sold by the Center were nutritional products available in health food stores. The evidence also proved that persons who received nutritional products were treated medically by Dr. Clark. The evidence failed to prove that these nutritional products were prescribed as only for nutritional purposes. COPIES FURNISHED: Susan Branson, Esquire William O'Neil, Esquire Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0750 David L. Sturdivant, D.O. 800 South Nova Road Suite H Ormond Beach, Florida 32074 Mr. Rod Presnell Executive Director Department of Professional Regulation Osteopathic Medical Examiners 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0750 William O'Neil General Counsel Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0750 =================================================================

Florida Laws (3) 120.57120.68459.015
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE vs ALEXANDRA KONOWAL, D.O., 01-002594PL (2001)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Fort Myers, Florida Jul. 02, 2001 Number: 01-002594PL Latest Update: Jul. 06, 2004

The Issue Whether Respondent, Alexandra Konowal, D.O., violated Subsections 459.015(1)(x) and (o), Florida Statutes, and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact Respondent is a licensed osteopathic physician in the State of Florida, having been issued license number OS 7169. Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulating the practice of osteopathic medicine pursuant to Section 20.42, Florida Statutes. On July 20, 1998, Respondent first saw Patient B. M., a 75-year-old female, at Eye Health of Fort Myers, for a complaint of poor vision and cataracts. Respondent scheduled cataract surgery for July 30, 1998, at an outpatient surgery center. On Thursday, July 30, 1998, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Respondent performed the surgery, removing the lens of Patient B. M.‘s left eye and replacing it with an implant. Patient B. M. was discharged from the surgery center at 11:17 a.m., with instructions to go to Eye Health of Fort Myers for follow-up examination that afternoon. On Saturday, August 1, 1998, Patient B. M. telephoned Eye Health early in the morning complaining of inability to see from the left eye and severe pain in the left eye. At about 9:00 a.m., August 1, 1998, Patient B. M. was examined at Eye Health of Fort Myers by James Campbell, an optometrist with Eye Health. Dr. Campbell found residual cortex in the left eye, with corneal edema, but observed no pus in the eye. Dr. Campbell changed the antibiotic eye drops for the patient. At approximately 10:00 a.m., on August 1, 1998, Dr. Campbell had a telephone conference with Respondent and Dr. Franz to discuss the symptoms of Patient B. M. At approximately 4:45 p.m., on August 1, 1998, Patient B. M. again called Eye Health complaining of unbearable pain. Dr. Campbell, in turn, called Respondent at approximately 5:00 p.m. to advise her of Patient B. M.’s complaints. During the 5:00 p.m. telephone call from Dr. Campbell to Respondent, Dr. Campbell discussed the possible diagnosis of endophthalmitis. At 5:36 p.m., August 1, 1998, Respondent spoke with Patient B. M. on the telephone for nine minutes. During the 5:36 p.m. telephone call, Patient B. M. reported shooting pains in her eye and that her vision was bad. During the 5:36 p.m. telephone call, Respondent advised Patient B. M. that she needed to be evaluated. When Patient B. M. said she could not come in, Respondent advised of the possible risks including damage to the optic nerve from excessive pressure and infection. Respondent suggested going to the emergency room and offered to provide transportation, but Patient B. M. refused. During the 5:36 p.m. telephone call, Respondent recommended that Patient B. M. take Percocet that the Patient already had for the pain; Respondent would call in a prescription for erythromycin ointment and told the patient to call back if the eye didn’t improve. Following the 5:36 p.m. telephone call, Respondent did phone in a prescription for erythromycin to a Walgreens Pharmacy near Patient B. M.'s residence. It appears the patient did not pick up this prescription. The "standard of care" expert witness offered by Petitioner found it "difficult to answer" a hypothetical question directed to the "standard of care" of Respondent's care of Patient B. M., incorporating all relevant facts set forth hereinabove in these Findings of Facts and, essentially, failed to render an opinion incorporating all relevant facts; therefore, Petitioner has failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent failed to practice osteopathic medicine with that level of care, skill, and treatment which is recognized by a reasonably prudent similar osteopathic physician as being acceptable under similar conditions and circumstances as alleged in this matter. Respondent prepared an office note dated August 1, 1998, 7:30 p.m., as a record of Respondent’s telephone call to Patient B. M. This note was, in fact, prepared on the morning of August 3, 1998. The note reads in its entirety: 8/1/98 7:30 PM Spoke with patient. States having pain in left eye. Recommended artificial tears for shooting pain, and continue using Ocuflox and Pred Forte. Patient states she has been taking Percocet every four hours with no relief, but she takes Percocet regularly for neuropathy. Told to use two every four hours and call if no improvement. While the August 1, 1998, office note records a great deal of relevant information, Respondent's testimony revealed it does not reflect Patient B. M.'s refusal to come in for evaluation, Respondent's warnings regarding the risks of not being evaluated, an offer of transportation to an emergency room, or a prescription order for Erythromycin. Petitioner's expert witness testified on deposition that, "I'm not sure what the standard of care is" for charting weekend telephone calls. When he receives a telephone call at home from a patient, he makes notes on "a scrap of paper" and later records the note in the patient's record. Respondent testified that she now keeps a book at home in which she records every conversation when patients call her at home; she then brings the book to her office for reference in recording the entire conversation in the patient's record. However, she does not believe that anyone in her practice does it the way she now does. There is no standard procedure in the practice of osteopathic medicine for memorializing conversations in the patient's record between a physician and patient which occur outside the office or hospital setting. On August 3, 1998, Patient B. M. returned to Respondent’s office complaining of no vision and sharp pain. Respondent’s examination revealed Patient B. M.’s left eye to be swollen and with hypopyon (internal pus). Respondent diagnosed endophthalmitis and immediately referred Patient B. M. to a retinal specialist. On August 3, 1998, Patient B. M. was seen by the retinal specialist who found near total hypopyon, so that neither the iris nor any posterior detail could be visualized. Ultrasound showed dense mobile vitreal opacities, primarily anteriorly. The specialist recommended a vitrectomy with injection of antibiotics, and discussed at length the possibility of loss of vision, loss of the eye and uncertainty of any visual benefit. He performed the surgery for Patient B. M. the night of August 3, 1998. Endophthalmitis is a recognized complication of cataract surgery that occurs in less than one percent of patients, but does not presumptively indicate a departure from the standard of care. The standard of care required Respondent see Patient B. M. and treat her for endophthalmitis on August 1, 1998, or to warn Patient B. M. on August 1, 1998, of the serious consequences of endophthalmitis if Patient B. M. did not have an examination. The evidence revealed that Respondent warned Patient B. M. of the serious consequences of her failure to go to the clinic or an emergency room for treatment.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED, that the Department of Health, Board of Osteopathy, enter a final order finding that Respondent, Alexandra Konowal, D.O., is not guilty of violating Subsections 459.015(1)(x) and (o), Florida Statutes, and dismissing the Administrative Complaint filed in this matter. DONE AND ENTERED this 18th day of December, 2001, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. JEFF B. CLARK Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 18th day of December, 2001. COPIES FURNISHED: Bruce A. Campbell, Esquire Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop 39A Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450 Bruce M. Stanley, Jr., Esquire Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt 1715 Monroe Street Post Office Box 280 Fort Myers, Florida 33902-0280 William H. Buckhalt, Executive Director Board of Osteopathic Medicine Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C06 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701 William W. Large, General Counsel Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701 Theodore M. Henderson, Agency Clerk Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701

Florida Laws (4) 120.5720.42456.073459.015
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BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE vs. HENRY J. PETRILLO, 84-002741 (1984)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 84-002741 Latest Update: Jun. 28, 1990

Findings Of Fact Upon consideration of the oral and documentary evidence adduced at the hearing, the following facts are found: Respondent, Henry J. Petrillo, D.O., has been licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in the State of Florida since July 1, 1973 and at all times pertinent to these proceedings was licensed by the State of Florida as a Doctor of Osteopath. The Board entered an order dated February 18, 1982, in a prior unrelated case, placing respondent on probation for a period of two (2) years commencing February 18, 1982 with the condition, among others, that the respondent " . . . shall obtain/continue counseling with a psychiatrist or psychologist and shall cause progress reports to be submitted to the Board or probation supervisor every three (3) months." In response to that order, respondent began to visit psychologist Sidney T. Merin, Ph.D. for counseling. Dr. Merin submitted progress reports on the respondent to the Board by letter on April 15, 1982, August 5, 1982, October 25, 1982 and January 24, 1983. No progress reports were submitted by Dr. Merin, or any other psychiatrist or psychologist, on the respondent to the Board after January 24, 1983. Based on Petitioner's Exhibit 1 (letter to respondent from Dr. Merin date stamped received March 25, 1984), Dr. Merin continued to treat respondent until his probation was terminated. But, there was a period of time from January 24, 1983 until November 30, 1983 that respondent did not visit Dr. Merin for counseling. Respondent attended counseling sessions with Dr. Merin on November 30, 1983 and January 9, 1984. Respondent petitioned the Board for early termination of his probation by letter dated February 21, 1983. On June 25, 1983 the Board heard respondent's request. On August 6, 1983 the Board entered its order denying the respondent's "request for termination of probation and full reinstatement of his license to practice osteopathic medicine." The Board's order specifically required that respondent was to "continue to be on probation pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the final order dated February 18, 1982." The evidence indicated that the Board was aware that respondent had completed counseling with Dr. Merin in January, 1984 and had been "discharged" other than for visits on a "as needed" basis. On June 25, 1983, at the time of respondent's hearing on his request for reinstatement of license and termination of probation, over three (3) months had expired since Dr. Merin's last progress report to the Board on the respondent. Angela Turner was one of respondent's patients. Between May 9, 1983 and July 30, 1983, the respondent saw Angela Turner eight (8) times on a physician-patient relationship. The respondent's medical records and Angela Turner's testimony indicated that she was suffering from a continuing vaginal infection that resulted in a discharge. Angela Turner's last visit with respondent on July 30, 1983 was for the purpose of bringing in a urine sample for a pregnancy test which respondent had requested on Angela Turner's prior visit of July 26, 1983 and for consultation with respondent as to the results of the pregnancy test. Upon arriving at the respondent's office on July 30, 1983, Angela Turner submitted the urine sample to Janaee Brown, a nurse in respondent's office. Later, Angela Turner was taken to the examination room by Janaee Brown who inquired as to how Angela Turner was feeling, Angela Turner replied, "that she was feeling a lot better, but she had slight dizziness and she thought her yeast infection might be coming back." Janaee Brown then left Angela Turner in the examination room. At this point, there is conflicting testimony concerning whether Janaee Brown relayed instructions from the respondent for Angela Turner to disrobe from the waist down and provided a gown for this purpose. The more credible evidence is that Janaee Brown did not instruct Angela Turner to disrobe from the waist down and that Janaee Brown did not give Angela Turner a gown or robe for this purpose. Although there was some evidence that respondent may have deviated, at one time or another, from his office policy of having someone accompany him at all times while consulting with or examining a female patient, the weight of the evidence shows that respondent did have such an office policy and that no exception to that office policy was made during Angela Turner's visit with respondent on July 30, 1983. Angela Turner's testimony was that respondent came into the room alone, reported a negative pregnancy test, asked how she was feeling, examined her vagina without gloves, or lubricant or device to spread vagina, unbuttoned her blouse and moved her bra and examined her breasts. Respondent then kissed each of her breasts, her stomach, her vagina and tried to kiss her lips but she pushed him away. The respondent denies any impropriety with Angela Turner on July 30, 1983. The weight of the evidence shows that respondent consulted with Angela Turner in the presence of his wife, Vida Petrillo, concerning her pregnancy test, prescribed five (5) douches for vaginal infection and discussed something about abortion. The evidence shows that Angela Turner did mention to Janaee Brown something to the effect that the doctor had done something he shouldn't do and asked if that was office policy, to which Janaee Brown replied "no." The evidence shows that Angela Turner did not appear to be emotionally upset at this time. Angela Turner paid her bill, picked up her douches and went outside and called her husband who in turn contacted the police. Counsel for petitioner stipulated that a civil suit for damages had been filed by Angela Turner and her husband against respondent and presently there was an ongoing lawsuit. The evidence fails to establish sufficiently that the respondent conducted a vaginal examination on July 30, 1983 or made any sexual advances toward Angela Turner by kissing her breasts, stomach, and vagina or attempting to kiss her lips.

Recommendation Based upon the findings of fact and conclusions of law recited herein, it is RECOMMENDED that respondent be found not guilty of the violation of Sections 459.015(1)(k), and 459.014, Florida Statutes (1983) and that Count II and Count III be DISMISSED. It is further RECOMMENDED that respondent be found guilty of violating a lawful order of the Board in violation of Section 459.O15(1)(x), Florida Statutes (1983). For such violation, considering the mitigating circumstances surrounding the violation, it is RECOMMENDED that the Board issue a letter of Reprimand to the respondent. Respectfully submitted and entered this 1st day of May, 1985, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. WILLIAM R. CAVE Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 FILED with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 1st day of May, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Fred Roche, Secretary Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Ms. Dorothy Faircloth Executive Director Osteopathic Medical Examiners 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 William M. Furlow, Esquire Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Grover C. Freeman and David P. Rankin FREEMAN & LOPEZ, P.A. 4600 West Cypress, Suite 410 Tampa, Florida 33607 =================================================================

Florida Laws (3) 120.57120.68459.015
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE vs ALAN SALTZMAN, D.O., 04-003497PL (2004)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Lauderdale Lakes, Florida Sep. 28, 2004 Number: 04-003497PL Latest Update: Oct. 03, 2024
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BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS vs. EUGENE WILLIAMS, 82-000514 (1982)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 82-000514 Latest Update: Jun. 28, 1990

Findings Of Fact Respondent, Eugene W. Williams, II, is an osteopathic physician licensed in Florida, and was so licensed at all times relevant to this proceeding. His address is 4394 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33905. On June 21, 1979, Sue Riley presented herself to Respondent for treatment of a fractured left distal radius. Respondent ordered arm elevation and ice bag treatment to reduce the swelling. The next day, he set the arm in a cast and performed a closed reduction. The injured arm was initially x-rayed at the hospital emergency room on June 21, 1979, and was not x-rayed again until July 5, 1979, when Respondent noted that the fracture was not closed. He then referred the patient to an orthopedic specialist. The testimony of Petitioner's expert witness indicated that a second X ray should have been taken after casting rather than two weeks later to insure that the fracture was, in fact, closed. Without such an X ray, Respondent could not be certain that the fracture was closed initially or that it had not reopened. Respondent's testimony and that of two other experienced physicians established that it is not uncommon to omit the X ray immediately after casting. In their view, no X ray is needed for ten days to two weeks provided the fracture appears to have been closed and properly aligned. Respondent's testimony established that all indications were favorable following casting and that he did not believe an X ray was needed for ten days to two weeks.

Recommendation From the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED that the Second Amended Administrative Complaint be dismissed. DONE and ENTERED THIS 14th day of February, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. R. T. CARPENTER, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 14th day of February, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: James B. Gillis, Esquire Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 JulieAnn Ricco, Esquire 1655 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard Suite 106, Forum III West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Frederick Roche, Secretary Department of Professional Regulation 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Dorothy J. Faircloth, Executive Director Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners 130 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Florida Laws (1) 459.015
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