From the Fort Collins Coloradoan
2-17-2001

Court reinstates Hageseth’s license

It took more than a year, but earlier this month, the state Court of Appeals reversed a 1999 Colorado State Board of Medical Examiners decision and reinstated Hageseth’s medical license.

In its reversal, the Court of Appeals found that the evidence did not support the board’s decision. The board failed to specify or identify a statute Hageseth had violated or to explain how it concluded he was not safe to practice medicine.

“There is no basis in this record for the board’s conclusion,” the court’s ruling states.

The board could still appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, but the couple said that is unlikely.

Also the Fort Collins IPA, or Independent Practitioners Association, the administrative group to which Hageseth belonged, conducted its own investigation and decided Hageseth could continue to practice, said Dr. Jim Bush, president of the Fort Collins IPA.

However, the judge concluded Hageseth had failed to meet generally accepted standards of medical treatment of Laurel.

The judge ruled he had improperly engaged in a sexual act with Laurel within six months of the termination of his professional relationship with her.

The judge recommended that the medical board place Hageseth on indefinite probation and allow him to continue to practice provided he continue to receive treatment for depression. While on probation, other doctors would be allowed to monitor and evaluate his practice.

Despite the judge’s recommendations, the medical board revoked Hageseth’s license.

Added: Jul 23, 2006 5:55 am | Trackback URI |  Email This Post  | Print