States News Service

February 24, 2011 Thursday

PSYCHIATRIST’S MEDICAL LICENSE IMMEDIATELY SUSPENDED ACTION FOLLOWS IOWA DETERMINATION THAT DOCTOR IS UNSAFE TO PRACTICE

BYLINE: States News Service

LENGTH: 261 words

DATELINE: OLYMPIA, WA

The following information was released by the Washington State Department of Health:
The Medical Quality Assurance Commission has immediately suspended the medical license of psychiatrist Vernon P. Varner (MD60026499).
Varner cannot practice medicine in Washington until the charges are resolved. He has 20 days to respond to the charges and to request a hearing.
The statement of charges says the Iowa Board of Medicine indefinitely suspended Varner’s license to practice medicine. In a settlement agreement, Varner agreed not to challenge the Iowa board’s determination that he isn’t safe to practice medicine because he may suffer from a physical, neuropsychological, or mental health condition that impairs his ability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety.
Washington’s commission doesn’t know whether Varner has come to this state to practice since his Iowa suspension. For several years, he’s worked in temporary positions at a variety of Iowa facilities. His suspension in Washington aims to ensure he can’t seek such positions in this state.
Legal documents in this case are available by calling 360-236-4700 or online by clicking the link to “Provider Credential Search” on the agency home page (www.doh.wa.gov).
The Medical Quality Assurance Commission protects public health and safety by assuring the competency and quality of physicians and physician assistants. The commission establishes and monitors qualifications for licensure, and consistently enforces practice standards and professional conduct through discipline and continuing education.