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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas doctor's attorney argued Thursday that she should be licensed again even though she kept inadequate records for young patients referred for late-term abortions, but a state attorney described the doctor as a repeat offender who can't be rehabilitated.
The State Board of Healing Arts reconsidered the case of Dr. Ann Kristin Neuhaus, whose license to provide charity care it revoked in 2012, concluding she'd provided substandard medical exams in 2003 for 11 patients aged 10 to 18. Her exams allowed the late Dr. George Tiller's clinic in Wichita to terminate the pregnancies despite state restrictions.
Neuhaus successfully challenged the board's sanction in Shawnee County District Court, but a judge agreed that she'd kept inadequate records.
The judge returned the case to the board to consider its punishment only on the record-keeping allegations. The board plans to issue a written ruling by Jan. 9.
Neuhaus attorney Bob Eye said there's no evidence any of the patients were injured or that Neuhaus had record-keeping problems after 2003.
Neuhaus said afterward she was encouraged that board members didn't decide immediately. The hearing lasted more than an hour and the case was discussed in a closed session.
"They seemed to be actually considering the facts," she said, noting that board members asked numerous questions during the open hearing.
Reese Hays, representing a board disciplinary panel, argued that Neuhaus shouldn't be allowed to practice medicine again after being disciplined in 1999 and 2001 for record-keeping problems. He said keeping adequate records helps patients receive good, future care and Neuhaus has "a pattern of misconduct."
Anti-abortion groups had hoped for a decision Thursday but said they believe the board ultimately will continue banning Neuhaus from medicine.
Cheryl Sullenger, senior policy adviser for Operation Rescue, who filed a complaint against Neuhaus in 2006, said: "She's not practicing right now, so that is the main thing for us."
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Online:
Kansas medical board: http://www.ksbha.org/main.shtml
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