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Justin Langston
Staff Writer
After an investigation lasting over one year, Neurosurgeon and Piedmont resident Dr. Paul Francel has been cited for allegedly engaging in unprofessional conduct by the Oklahoma State Medical Licensure Board. A hearing on his professional future, originally slated for Jan. 14, has been continued until March 11.
“There wasn’t anything done at this last hearing,” Licensure Board director Lyle Kelsey said of the Jan. 14 hearing. “The attorneys are still hammering out something that we feel would be agreeable.”
Francel was charged by the board in November, 2009, after the board ended a nearly year-long investigation into the practices of Francel.
According to the allegations by the medical board, Francel allegedly “engaged in conduct which was likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public,” “representing to a patient that an incurable condition, sickness, disease or injury can be cured,” “engaged in gross or repeated negligence in the practice of medicine and surgery,” “being physically or mentally incapable to practice medicine and surgery with reasonable skill and safety,” and “engaged in practice or other behavior that demonstrates an incapacity or incompetence to practice medicine and surgery.”
The board also accuses the Piedmont resident of “failure to inform the board of a state of physical or mental health of the licensee or of any other health professional which constitutes, or the licensee suspects constitutes, a threat to the public,” and “failure to obtain informed consent, based on full and accurate disclosure of risks before prescribing, dispensing or administering medical treatment for the therapeutic purpose of relieving pain.”
According to the allegations filed by the board, Francel agreed to suspend his practice of medicine, beginning on Dec. 24, 2008.
The medical overseers say over the course of this period, Francel underwent an assessment by the Center of Personalized Education for Physicians, which suggested he undergo a neuropsychological assessment, which he underwent in October. The assessment suggested he hold off the re-opening of his practice until a later date.See the rest of the story in the January 21st edition of the Piedmont-Surrey Gazette.
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