The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure revoked the medical licenses of Dr. Barry G. Hardison and Dr. William K. Vincent on November 27 following an investigation into their prescribing practices at A New Start, a substance abuse treatment clinic in Central City, KY. Complaints alleged overprescription of controlled substances, including buprenorphine, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, which violated medical standards.
The investigation reviewed patient records, finding substandard care in a significant number of cases. Both physicians were initially restricted from prescribing controlled substances, but continued practicing after emergency hearings held for Vincent last December and for Hardison in March lifted those restrictions. Despite testimony highlighting their commitment to patient care, the board concluded their practices posed risks to patients and public health, citing failures in record-keeping, prescribing standards, and patient evaluations.
According to the report on Hardison and Vincent, “Having considered all statutorily available sanctions and the nature of the violations in the case — including the licensee’s dismissive attitude toward multiple Board regulations, failure to exercise caution when prescribing highly addictive and frequently abused controlled substances, prescribing medically unnecessary and potentially lethal drugs, and a general disregard for the basic standards of care in a manner that endangers patients and community health — the Panel has determined that revocation is the appropriate sanction.”
The physicians may appeal the decision within 30 days.
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