Arkansas doctor kills 10 patients and gets to keep his license

[Cannikin]

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A state board on Friday barred a doctor from prescribing narcotics after officials said 10 of his patients died from a lethal mix of drugs or an overdose of prescription medicines.

Dr. Randeep Mann was allowed to keep his medical license under an agreement with the Arkansas Medical Board.

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 panel approved the order 7-2, and at least one member said she was concerned about the agreement's impact.

"I just can't get over the fact that there are a number of people who have lost sons, daughters or spouses, and the dots all connect back to Dr. Mann," board member Anne Britton said.

The board's investigation found that Mann prescribed 15 to 26 bottles per month of the pain reliever butorphanol to one patient. Along with the 10 patients who died, several survived overdoses, including one who suffered a brain injury. One of the deaths did not violate the Medical Practices Act, a pain specialist testified.

Mann said in some cases, he didn't know patients had overdosed — and continued to prescribe narcotic pain relievers — because he hadn't received emergency room records.

Mann was eager to reopen his clinic even though he will lose some of his patients, said his attorney, Drake Mann, who is not related to the doctor.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060708/ap_on_re_us/doctor_overdose_deaths

[ChoralScholar]

1. Dr. Mann was my mother's doctor before she died.

He's a real piece of work. Incidentally, he apparently used to have ethics, because my mother was prone to painkiller addiction, and he'd never prescribe any narcotics.

[Benfea]

2. *shake head*

I fail to see how they could justify giving this guy his license back. I just don't see it.

[checkmate1947]

3. In what city or county

inquiring minds need to know

[Cannikin]

4. I'm not sure, fellow Arkie, the article didnt say.

[lins the liberal]

6. Russellville?

Seems like I read it was Russellville, but I can't find it now.

[Nicole]

8. It is Russellville

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=30926

[jobycom]

5. Makes you wonder how many digits were in that "agreement" with

the Arkansas Medical Board.

[Nicole]

7. His license was revoked before

"This isn't the first time Dr. Randeep Mann has appeared before the state medical board. In 2003 he was accused of over-prescribing medication and had his license revoked, but it was given back with the agreement he would give up his authority to dispense or write prescriptions for one year."

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=30926