LITTLE ROCK (AP) - The state Medical Board has restricted the prescription-writing powers of a Russellville doctor accused of negligence in his drug-prescribing procedures. But the panel agreed yesterday to allow Doctor Randeep Mann to retain his medical license.
The board barred Doctor Mann from writing prescriptions for
controlled substances, such as painkillers. But Mann will still be able to write prescriptions for other medications, like antibiotics.
Officials say ten of Mann's patients have died from a lethal mix of drugs or an overdose of prescription medicines. Mann's license was suspended after the state accused him of prescribing excessive amounts of controlled substances to patients he knew or should have known had histories of drug abuse.
The board accused him of "grossly negligent or ignorant malpractice." The settlement approved by the board was similar to an offer it had rejected earlier in the day. The settlement will revoke Mann's license if he tries to regain his privileges to prescribe controlled drugs. Mann also is barred under the settlement from hiring any nurse practitioners or physicians at his clinic as a way
to get around the controlled substance prescription prohibition.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
