Each state has its own set of statutes and regulations on licensing doctors, accommodating patients who wish to file complaints, and releasing information about physicians who have been subject to discipline and legal action. On this page, we’re sharing the key findings regarding North Dakota, which we will continue to update as the series progresses.
Key fact: The North Dakota Board of Medicine uses confidential letters of concern for some sexual misconduct allegations against doctors. Also, board-issued public disciplinary documents on the agency's website date back only to 2012.
“[H]e also threatened this patient with harm should she disclose this relationship, and pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge for doing so.”
— Findings of the medical board in the 2013 case of a doctor found to have had a sexual relationship with a patient and a past history of being released from employment at two institutions for sexual relationships with staff.
In what was termed a nondisciplinary stipulation, the neurosurgeon agreed to cease the practice of medicine while a criminal case against him proceeds.
A separate board order states that in October 2015, he was charged with one count of gross sexual imposition and two counts of luring minors by computer or other electronic means.
According to news reports, Eichler is accused of using Snapchat to communicate with two 13-year-olds. He has pleaded not guilty, and a trial is set for August. The board indefinitely suspended his license in March 2016. Eichler told the AJC that the allegations do not involve patient care.
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