William Husel, MD, who was fired from Columbus, Ohio-based Mount Carmel Health System, requested a hearing before the state Medical Board of Ohio to appeal the suspension of his medical license, WOSU Public Media reports.
The date of the hearing has not been determined. The board temporarily suspended Dr. Husel’s medical license Jan. 25 after Mount Carmel said the physician ordered excessive doses of pain medication for dozens of patients. The hospital now says at least 35 patients were affected by Dr. Husel's actions.
The board issued Dr. Husel a citation in mid-February, saying it was working to determine if it should permanently revoke his license. The citation, obtained by WOSU, discusses six cases in which Dr. Husel ordered 1,000 micrograms or more of the painkiller fentanyl.
The board said Dr. Husel's acts constitute a "departure from, or the failure to conform to, minimal standards of care of similar practitioners."
The physician could face civil penalties of up to $20,000 in addition to other disciplinary actions.
Dr. Husel is allowed to present evidence and examine witnesses appearing both for and against him. His legal representation submitted documents to the medical board Feb. 22, about a week after the board sent the citation.