An emergency order of suspension was issued for a Siloam Springs cardiologist Wednesday after allegations of substance abuse surfaced, according to Arkansas State Medical Board records.
Michael John Butler will have a hearing before the board on June 6, documents state.
Butler is a cardiologist for Siloam Springs Regional Hospital, according to Cathy Davis, hospital spokeswoman. Davis said Butler has worked for the hospital since July.
"We are aware of the suspension of Dr. Michael Butler's medical license," according to a statement from the hospital. "He is not seeing patients at this time. Care for Dr. Butler's patients is being covered by other cardiologists within our system."
The state board's emergency order of suspension states that Butler is "exhibiting a habitual indulgence or excessive use of narcotics or any other habit-forming drug."
Butler agreed to counseling, random drug screens, and abstinence from alcohol or schedule medication after receiving a diagnoses of bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence in June, according to state board documents.
The Arkansas Medical Foundation reported to the Medical Board that Butler missed a testing in February and has refused to cooperate in a rehabilitation and monitoring program, according to the documents.
A majority vote from the state board found that Butler's actions "present a danger to the public health, safety and welfare."
The Medical Board will decide whether Butler has violated the Medical Practices Act during the hearing in June. His license could be suspended or revoked depending on the board's determination, the documents state.
A statement from Butler was also released by the hospital Thursday.
"I am committed to addressing the concerns of the Arkansas State Medical Board to resolve this situation," Butler says in the statement.
The hospital's statement notes that officials will be monitoring the situation until the state board has completed its review.
General News on 04/27/2014