For immediate release: December 8, 2016 (16-139)
Contact: Julie Graham, Strategic Communications Office 360-810-1628
King County osteopathic physician suspended; charges list substandard pain management and opioid prescribing practices
OLYMPIA -- The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery immediately suspended the credential of King County osteopathic physician Philip Roger Matthews (OP.00000982) pending further legal action.
Charges say Matthews did not meet standard of care requirements in managing pain and prescribing opioids for five patients. Matthews is currently subject to a 2013 agreed order based on previous allegations of overprescribing opioids, and failing to respond appropriately to possible instances of drug diversion or drug seeking behavior.
Matthews has 20 days to request a hearing to contest the charges and the suspension.
The legal documents on this case can be seen online by clicking the link on Provider Credential Search on the Department of Health website; copies can be requested by calling 360-236-4700. Anyone who believes a health care provider acted unprofessionally is encouraged to call that number to report their complaint.
People who need information about accessing medical records or care can visit the agency’s website at www.doh.wa.gov/pain.
The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery regulates osteopathic physicians in Washington. The program establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline. Rules, policies and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to state residents.
The Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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