Fwd: Medical Board Restricts Athens Physician, Suspends North Richland Hills Physician

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Jill Wiggins wrote:

Subject: Medical Board Restricts Athens Physician, Suspends North Richland Hills PhysicianDate: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 15:28:48 -0600From: "Jill Wiggins" To: "Jane McFarland"

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday November 22, 2004

Jane McFarland at jane.mcfarland@..., .

Website: www.tsbme.state.tx.us <http://www.tsbme.state.tx.us>

Non-media contact: or

Medical Board Panel Restricts License of Barrett, M.D. and Suspends License of Larry Thirstrup, M.D.

Disciplinary panels of the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners took emergency temporary actions against two Texas physicians last week.

A panel of the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners temporarily restricted the license of Barrett M.D., License # G-7987, after determining that Dr. Barrett’s continuation in the unrestricted practice of medicine presents a continuing threat to the public welfare.

Dr. Barrett practices Obstetrics and Gynecology in Athens, Texas. The restriction was based on evidence that Dr. Barrett’s treatment fell below the standard of care, including evidence that he failed to properly diagnose and treat multiple patients and displayed poor medical judgment. The order restricts the physician to practice in an office setting only and prohibits his practice in a hospital setting. The action was taken following a hearing

November 15 and became effective immediately.

A second panel of the Board temporarily suspended the license of Larry Thirstrup, M.D., License # K-4267, based on evidence of his continued abuse of drugs and alcohol. Dr. Thirstrup practices emergency medicine in North Richland Hills.

The action against Dr. Thirstrup was taken November 19 in a hearing without notice. Under provisions of SB 104 authored by Senator Jane and passed by the 78th Legislature, the agency can temporarily suspend or restrict a license without notice or hearing if the person’s continuation in practice constitutes a threat to the public welfare. The board is then required to hold a hearing at the earliest possible date after providing 10 days’ notice of the hearing, allowing Dr. Thirstrup the opportunity to respond to the Board’s charges. If the temporary suspension is affirmed at that hearing, a full hearing called an informal settlement conference will be held as soon as practicable to seek a permanent resolution of the allegations.

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The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, the state agency that regulates physicians, physician assistants, surgical assistants and acupuncturists, provides consumer protection through licensure, investigation and disciplinary action. The Board, under President Lee S. , M.D., and Executive Director W. , M.D., J.D., and mandated by Senate Bill 104 of the 78th Legislature, is strengthening and accelerating the disciplinary process for licensees who fail to meet the required standards of professional proficiency and behavior.

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