From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY – The Medical Licensure Commission of the State of Alabama met and ordered that the medical license of Dr. Michael D. Dick of Decatur, AL, be summarily suspended, less than 48 hours after charges were filed by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners (BME). Effective immediately and until a formal hearing can be held, Dr. Dick’s medical license is suspended, meaning he cannot practice medicine, see patients, or prescribe medications.
The charges filed by the BME earlier this week contained allegations of sexual misconduct, including inappropriate physical contact with patients with no legitimate medical purpose, and three convictions of criminal offenses.
While the Commission has a regularly-scheduled meeting later this month, at the request of the BME, the Commission called an emergency meeting to consider the suspension.
“We are thankful the Commission recognized the seriousness of the charges and the need to prohibit Dr. Dick’s ability to practice until an administrative hearing can be held,” Wilson Hunter, BME General Counsel said.
A formal hearing on the charges against Dr. Dick will be held in January. The case is being prosecuted on behalf of the BME by Associate General Counsel Matt Hart.
FAQs for Affected Patients
My doctor has lost his license. Where do I get medical care?
Your doctor still has an obligation to provide for your care. If your doctor can no longer practice medicine, your doctor has an obligation to help you obtain care elsewhere.
My new doctor didn’t give me the same medicine my old doctor did. What should I do?
Every physician has the responsibility to take care of you to the best of his or her ability. That means the physician must make a judgment about what is needed to treat your condition. Different physicians may treat the same medical conditions differently. Ask your new physician to explain why his or her treatment decision differs from your previous physician’s and to explain its pros and cons. Remember: your physician is always trying to do what is best for you, but you always have the right to seek a second opinion or seek care elsewhere.
I can’t get my medical records from my old physician. What should I do?
You have a right to your medical records. Your old physician should arrange to provide them to you or transfer them to the new physician of your choice. He or she may provide these at no cost or may charge a small processing fee. Your physician’s duty to you continues even after he or she is disciplined or otherwise prohibited from practicing. If your physician will not transfer your medical records, please contact the Board of Medical Examiners at 334-242-4116.