Pubdate: Thu, 11 Apr 2002
Source: Gaston Gazette, The (NC)
Copyright: 2002 The Gaston Gazette
Contact:  http://www.gast-gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1702
Author: Luann Laubscher

GROVER DOCTOR'S PATIENTS' RECORDS RETURNED

The Drug Enforcement Administration returned 30 cartons of patient records 
to Cleveland County doctor Joseph Talley on Wednesday.

"My waiting room is full of boxes," Talley said. "This should help some of 
my patients get in to see doctors now. We will make copies of records for 
patients. All they have to do is come by to get them."

The federal agency confiscated Talley's patient records on Jan. 28 when 
serving him with a show cause order that accuses him of overprescribing 
narcotics and allegedly links him to 23 patient deaths. Talley said the DEA 
took about 4,000 records.

The DEA also suspended the use of Talley's DEA number so he could not 
prescribe controlled substances.

"No doctor will see you if you don't have your records," said Sally Bland 
of Spartanburg, S.C.

Bland and her husband, Richard, have been patients of Talley for about five 
years, she said. They both have back problems and have had numerous surgeries.

"We have tried to see several doctors, and they are OK with you until you 
tell them that you were a Dr. Talley patient," Bland said. "When they find 
out that you have seen Dr. Talley, they tell you that they are not taking 
new patients."

Talley said the DEA kept 120 records to "use in their case" against him.

No date has been set for Talley's hearing in front of the DEA.

After a three-day hearing last month in front of the N.C. Medical Board, 
the board found Talley deviated from standard and acceptable practices with 
patients by failing to routinely perform adequate physical examinations.

On April 18, the Medical Board is expected to render its punishment, which 
means the board could revoke Talley's medical license, suspend his license, 
or stay a license suspension provided he meets specific stipulations.

The final hearing is expected to start at 1 p.m., and will be held in Raleigh.

In an earlier interview, Talley said he expects the state board to take his 
license.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart