Billy H. Stout, M.D., Board Secretary
State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
101 N.E. 51st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-1821
Re: Ramana (“Defendant”); Case No. 20-12-5948
Dear Dr. Stout:
This office has received your request for a written Attorney General Opinion regarding action that the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision intends to take in case 23-02-6202.
The Oklahoma Allopathic Medical and Surgical Licensure and Supervision Act authorizes the Board to suspend, revoke or order other appropriate sanctions against the license of a physician for unprofessional conduct.1 59 O.S.2021, § 503.
According to a Board complaint, filed in October 2021, Defendant committed multiple breaches of professional conduct, including dishonorable or immoral conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public; inadequate documentation, judgment, ability, and decision making; and negligent patient care. Finding clear and convincing evidence of the above-mentioned unprofessional conduct, the Board proposes to revoke Respondent’s license without the right to reapply and require Respondent to pay costs related to the disciplinary action. See 59 O.S.2021 §§ 509(8), (15), (18), (21), 509.1(A); OAC 435:10-7-4(11), (15), (18), (40–41). The Board may reasonably believe that the proposed action is necessary to deter future violations and to protect the public.
It is, therefore, the official opinion of the Attorney General that the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision has adequate support for the conclusion that this board action advances the State’s policy of protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the citizens of Oklahoma.
ROB JOHNSON
General Counsel
1Oklahoma statutes and the Board rules define “unprofessional conduct” to include 1) [c]onduct “likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public[;] 2) “inability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety[;]” 3) [f]ailure to maintain records which “accurately reflect[] the evaluation, treatment, and medical necessity of treatment[;] 4) “[f]ailure to provide a proper and safe medical facility setting[;]” and 5) “[g]ross or repeated negligence” or “behavior that demonstrates” inability, incapacity or incompetence to practice medicine or surgery “with reasonable skill and safety.” 59 O.S.2021 § 509(8), (15), (18), (21); OAC 435:10-7-4(11), (15), (18), (40–41).
