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 Texas, which we will continue to update as the series progresses.
Key fact: In 2012, Texas enacted a law requiring the Medical Board to revoke the licenses of doctors on deferred adjudication for sexual offenses involving children. Click here for an in-depth story on an Austin doctor who continues to practice despite multiple reports from patients of alleged sexual misconduct.
“There is a need for additional physicians to practice in the area of occupational medicine in the San Marcos, Hays County, Texas area.”
—The Texas Medical Board, in its 2000 order reinstating the license of Dr. Arthur Nilon Tallant. He had pleaded guilty to 19 counts of sexual performance by a child, involving his sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female patient. Tallant died in 2013.
In the 1990s, the neurologist had been convicted of criminal charges following allegations by female patients of inappropriate exams. But a Houston hospital hired him after that.
Then, after allegations from two patients in 2002, the hospital imposed discipline on his privileges and the medical board put him on probation for 10 years, saying he could not see, examine, or otherwise treat female patients.
No sooner had the medical board lifted the restrictions than, according to the board, he started offending again. In 2006, the state eased up, allowing him to see female patients with a chaperone present, then in February 2008 it ended all restrictions on his license. But on four occasions in March and April 2008, Ahmed inappropriately touched patients during the course of exams, the board found in a 2011 order.
That order, which was mediated, reinstituted the requirement for a chaperone.
He has not yet responded to a request for comment.
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