Texas Medical Board Suspends Psychiatrist's License

According to this report from KEYE TV

A Texas Medical Board panel temporarily suspended the license of Austin psychiatrist Sergio Silva Friday.

According to a press release issued Tuesday, the board found that Silva’s continued practice would constitute a continuing threat to the public welfare.

The Medical Board said Silva prescribed Prozac and Strattera "in a non-therapeutic manner" to a 7-year-old. They say Silva then failed to diagnose and treat medication-induced toxicity, resulting in the patient being hospitalized with suicidal and homicidal tendencies.

The boy grabbed at knives and tried to choke himself, according to reports.

The board also said Silva also prescribed controlled substances to another patient for no good medical reason. After the patient overdosed, Silva attempted to manage the patient’s condition without securing emergency care. The board said that after the patient was hospitalized, Silva’s behavior resulted in his losing his privileges at that hospital.

Silva also lost hospital privileges at Seton, where they claim he was abusive to other doctors.

"We do a temporary suspension when we feel the situation warrants that. (When) we feel there's a danger to the public of a danger to patients," said Jill Wiggins with the Texas Medical Board.

The length of a temporary suspension order is indefinite but it remains in effect until the board takes further action.

To practice again, Silva would have to work out a settlement agreement with the board which could allow him to treat patients under certain restrictions.

The board says suspensions like these are rare, and only happens when they believe patients or the public is in danger. You can fill in yourt own choice of cynical remark.