An employee at WesternStateHospital in Staunton, Va., who routinely failed to show up for one his scheduled shifts was overpaid $71,753 according state auditors, reports The News Tribune.
According to the report issued Thursday, a hospital manager had repeatedly excused Suleman Aziz, MD, for his time deficiencies, calling the physician a precious asset to the hospital, reports The News Tribune.
Dr. Aziz had previously requested the hospital cut his hours and eliminate his Saturday shift, but managers denied his request, according to the article. Dr. Aziz failed to submit forms required for taking leave without pay for the shifts.
The hospital has made arrangements for Dr. Aziz to pay back the money over a matter of years, without interest.
"We find it unconscionable that a doctor, or any healthcare provider, would seek payment for providing medical services to very vulnerable clients when, in fact, that doctor wasn't even working," Department of Social and Health Services assistant secretary Carla Reyes said in a news release, The News Tribune reports.