Psychiatrist Harold E. Smith
The Florida Board of Medicine lays down the law for one UF psychiatric professor. Dr. Harold Smith has a history of drug abuse–and is also accused of prescribing lethal amounts of oxycontin to a patient.
In our big story this half- hour– GTN’S Briana Harper joins us live in the newsroom with more on what could happen next.
This is Smith’s third disciplinary hearing with the board since receiving his Florida medical license in 1999. The state medical board made a unanimous decision to discipline the professor – but the question now is will it be enough.
The University of Florida hired Dr. Harold Smith in July as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry. They say in a written statement he has been successfully doing the job he was hired to do.
But prior to this– a complaint by the Department of Health claims Smith failed to provide a standard of care. He allegedly increased dangerous amounts of oxycontin dosages leading to one patient’s death. He also allegedly falsified medical documents. And some students say they’re shocked.
“You are putting someone’s life in danger and you’re spreading this information to students that could be putting other people’s life in danger so you just want to be carefully about that.”
The board’s solution — fine Smith 10 thousand dollars and demand a physician’s competency assessment by the Florida CARES program. But some say multiple offenses call for more action.
“It just depends on the occurrence the amount of times that it happens– if it’s excessive I don’t think they should teach.”
The University says Smith choose to take a leave of absence without pay.
Within the next week he must decide whether to accept or reject the board’s disciplinary offer.
Reporting live in the newsroom– Briana Harper, GTN News.