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Texas Medical Board Dismisses Complaint Against HCQ Doc

— Richard Urso, MD, exonerated as "standard of care was met"

by Kristina Fiore, Director of Enterprise & Investigative Reporting, ľֱ

MedpageToday
A photo of Richard Urso, MD

The Texas Medical Board has , that had been brought due to his prescribing of hydroxychloroquine for patients with COVID-19.

The board said there was "insufficient evidence to prove that a violation of the Medical Practice Act occurred. Specifically, the investigation determined that Dr. Urso was appropriate in his care and treatment of BM, JM and KM," presumably initials of Urso's patients.

The investigation determined Urso "specifically used social media to share articles and discuss treatments used for COVID-19. The standard of care was met and there was no violation of the Medical Practice Act found; therefore, no further action will be taken."

The letter did not mention hydroxychloroquine, but Urso previously stated that he had been reported to the Texas Medical Board for his use of the drug in patients with COVID-19, , a news site run by a prominent Tea Party activist.

The complaint was not available on the Texas Medical Board's website, and ľֱ couldn't determine who filed it.

In July, the board noting that "patients and physicians have a right to decide what treatment may be used for COVID-19," but cautioned that "any treatment decision must be made with full, proper and accurate disclosure by a physician." It also noted that there "cannot be false, misleading or deceptive advertising or statements made regarding any therapies."

In response, state Sen. Bob Hall (R) accusing it of "continuing to issue slightly veiled threats to Texas doctors" who the board will "descend upon ... with the severest possible punishment."

Urso has maintained a , promoting hydroxychloroquine, calling masks "," criticizing Anthony Fauci, MD, and public health agencies, and calling Scott Atlas, MD, "." He has also made appearances on Fox News.

Urso has also appeared at events with "America's Frontline Doctors," a physician group that promoted hydroxychloroquine and decried lockdowns and public health officials including Fauci. ľֱ previously reported that most members of the group who spoke at a July rally in Washington, D.C., had no hospital experience treating COVID-19 patients.

Neither Urso nor the Texas Medical Board returned a ľֱ request for comment as of press time.

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    Kristina Fiore leads MedPage’s enterprise & investigative reporting team. She’s been a medical journalist for more than a decade and her work has been recognized by Barlett & Steele, AHCJ, SABEW, and others. Send story tips to k.fiore@medpagetoday.com.