Brian Boggs, M.D., Board Secretary
State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
101 N.E. 51st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-1821
Re: Henok Ketema Assenu (“Defendant”), Case No. 25-08-6550
Dear Dr. Boggs:
This office has received your request for a written Attorney General Opinion regarding action that the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (“Board”) intends to take in the above-referenced case. Defendant holds a respiratory care practitioner license number 6188 in the State of Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Allopathic Medical and Surgical Licensure and Supervision Act (“Act”) authorizes the Board to revoke or order other appropriate sanctions against the license of a physician for unprofessional conduct.[1] 59 O.S.2021, § 503. It requires that the Board revoke the license of a physician “upon proof of a felony conviction by the courts or any plea of the felony[.] 59 O.S.Supp.2025, § 513(3).
On or about November 17, 2025, Defendant pled guilty to the criminal felony charge of "Felonious Assault by Strangulation" in the matter captioned 25CR2133989-350-51, Gaston County, Superior Court Division for the State of North Carolina. Verified Complaint detailing allegations of unprofessional conduct against Defendant based on the foregoing was filed on January 30, 2026, with the Board. Service of notice of the Verified Complaint was made on February 6, 2026, via personal service. Defendant subsequently failed to file an answer within twenty (20) days of service or by February 26, 2026, and has not otherwise contacted the Board regarding the Verified Complaint. Defendant failed to appear in person or through an attorney at the March 12, 2026, Board hearing on the Verified Complaint.
Based on these findings, the Board proposes to grant the Motion for Default Judgment and revoke Defendant’s respiratory care practitioner license number 6188. Additionally, upon receipt of an invoice, Defendant shall promptly pay all costs of this action.
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.
Cheryl Dixon
Deputy General Counsel
