A Wake County Superior Court judge on May 15 placed a temporary restraining order on a ruling issued by the North Carolina Medical Board indefinitely suspending the license of Anne L. White, MD, according to the Winston-Salem Journal.
Here are six things to know about the case.
1. Wake County Superior Court Judge George B. Collins issued the restraining order following a request from Dr. White's attorney during an emergency hearing May 14.
2. In his May 15 decision, Mr. Collins addressed the procedural issue of whether the state medical board has the authority to suspend a physician's license indefinitely. With the restraining order, Dr. White will be allowed to resume her clinical duties at her practice, the Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.
3. The state medical board issued a summary suspension of Dr. White's medical license May 6, according to the report. In the 13-page ruling, the medical board alleged Dr. White's conduct was found to be "immoral and dishonorable" and "unprofessional" under state law. The board's formal charges also alleged Dr. White reused syringes and dermatology products on multiple patients, and kept bags of human fat drawn during liposuction procedures in an office closet, the Winston-Salem Journal reports.
4. During the past few years, the board has only issued summary suspensions against four other physicians in the state, the report states. A summary suspension represents "an emergency action, taken in situations where the board believes allowing the licensee to continue practicing while the legal process plays out could result in patient harm," the medical board said in a statement to the publication. The Winston-Salem Journal reports none of the four physicians who previously received summary suspensions have had their medical licenses reinstated.
5. The suspension prevents Dr. White and all personnel at the medical facility from practicing medicine. However, the board said May 14 medical providers previously supervised by Dr. White may continue their services if they can find another physician to supervise them in addition to or in lieu of Dr. White.
6. A hearing for Dr. White is scheduled to take place June 21, giving her the opportunity to defend her actions. The Winston-Salem Journal reports Dr. White had board notices served against her in 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2017. However, the board noted in a statement to the publication, "previous instances of misconduct cannot be treated as a predictor of future misconduct" and that "each case is unique and the outcome depends on the circumstances of the case."
To access the full report, click here.