Texas Physician’s Medical License Temporarily Suspended Following Patient’s Death at Med Spa

24 December 2023

Frisco doctor faces suspension after patient dies from complications at Wortham med spa

The Texas Medical Board has temporarily suspended the medical license of Dr. Michael Patrick Gallagher, a physician from Frisco, Texas, following the death of a patient at a med spa where he served as the medical director. The incident occurred at Luxe Med Spa in Wortham, Texas, and has raised concerns about the safety and regulations surrounding medical procedures at such establishments. This article will delve into the details of the case, shedding light on the events leading up to the patient’s death and the implications for both the medical community and the public.

Patient’s Death Raises Questions About Medical Procedures at Med Spas

The incident that led to the temporary suspension of Dr. Gallagher’s medical license occurred on July 10, 2023, at Luxe Med Spa in Wortham, Texas. A patient, identified as Jenifer Cleveland, received an IV therapy treatment at the spa and later died. The Texas Medical Board’s investigation revealed that the patient received an IV infusion containing Vitamin B complex, ascorbic acid, cyanocobalamin, and TPN electrolytes. The use of TPN electrolyte solution, which requires a prescription, can lead to complications due to the presence of potassium chloride. The Board found that Luxe Med Spa did not have proper protocols or policies in place for the administration of IV therapy, putting patients at risk.

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Unlicensed Personnel Administered Prescription Drugs

One of the key findings of the investigation was that Luxe Med Spa allowed unlicensed personnel to administer prescription drugs without the supervision of a licensed physician. The spa’s owner, Amber Johnson, allegedly used Dr. Gallagher’s credentials to order TPN and other prescription solutions. The Texas Medical Board stated that this practice violated the establishment of a physician-patient relationship and put patients’ health and safety at risk.

Violations of the Medical Practice Act

The Texas Medical Board found that Dr. Gallagher’s actions violated multiple sections of the Medical Practice Act, which led to the temporary suspension of his medical license. The Board concluded that his continuation in the practice of medicine posed a “continuing threat to public welfare.” The Order of Suspension states that Luxe Med Spa did not have adequate protocols or policies for administering IV therapy, and there were no medically licensed or experienced personnel present during the treatment. These findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight of med spas to ensure patient safety.

Pending Autopsy and Disciplinary Panel Hearing

The investigation into the patient’s death is ongoing, with an autopsy pending to determine the exact cause. Meanwhile, a hearing on the Application for Temporary Suspension will be scheduled before a Disciplinary Panel of the Texas Medical Board. Until then, Dr. Gallagher’s medical license will remain suspended. The outcome of the hearing will determine the future of his medical career and whether further disciplinary actions will be taken.

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Conclusion:

The temporary suspension of Dr. Michael Patrick Gallagher’s medical license following the death of a patient at Luxe Med Spa raises significant concerns about the safety and regulations surrounding medical procedures at med spas. The Texas Medical Board’s investigation revealed violations of the Medical Practice Act, including the use of unlicensed personnel and the lack of proper protocols for administering IV therapy. This case highlights the need for stricter oversight and regulations to ensure patient safety in such establishments. As the investigation continues and the disciplinary hearing approaches, the medical community and the public eagerly await the resolution of this troubling incident.

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