M.M. v. State Med. Bd. of Ohio , 2020 Ohio 360 ( 2020 )

[Cite as M.M. v. State Med. Bd. of Ohio, 2020-Ohio-360.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
TENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
[M. M.], M.D., :
Appellant-Appellant, :
v. : No. 18AP-839
(C.P.C. No. 18CV-5813)
State Medical Board of Ohio, :
(REGULAR CALENDAR)
Appellee-Appellee. :
D E C I S I O N
Rendered on February 4, 2020
On brief: Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, and Elizabeth Y. Collis, for
appellant. Argued: Elizabeth Y. Collis.
On brief: [Dave Yost], Attorney General, and Emily A.
Pelphrey, for appellee. Argued: Emily A. Pelphrey.
APPEAL from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
BRUNNER, J.
{¶ 1} Appellant-appellant, M.M., M.D., appeals from an appellate decision and
judgment of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas entered on October 18, 2018,
affirming the June 27, 2018 order of appellee-appellee, State Medical Board of Ohio ("the
board"), that placed permanent limitations and restrictions on appellant's license to
practice in the State of Ohio. Because we find the common pleas court did not abuse its
discretion, we affirm its decision.
I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
{¶ 2} On October 18, 2018, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas affirmed
the board's June 27, 2018 order ("the order") that permanently limits and restricts
appellant's license such that her "medical practice shall not involve direct patient care in an
inpatient setting." (Order at 1, attached to July 10, 2018 Notice of Appeal.) The board
No. 18AP-839 2
issued its order pursuant to R.C. 4731.22(B)(19)1 after finding appellant presently incapable
of practicing medicine according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care due to her
diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and behavioral issues that led to her
being terminated from her residency program in October 2017.
{¶ 3} The facts of this matter are generally undisputed. The record establishes that
appellant was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder in March 2011, while she was in medical
school. She was treated with mood stabilizing and antipsychotic medications. On discharge
from treatment, appellant completed an outpatient program and then received ongoing
treatment in an outpatient setting until April 28, 2014.
{¶ 4} In 2014, appellant graduated from medical school and moved to Cleveland
for a 36-month residency with The MetroHealth System ("MetroHealth"). She began
seeing Thomas Thysseril, M.D., for her psychiatric care. At her initial evaluation in 2014,
Dr. Thysseril noted that appellant had attempted suicide twice and had been hospitalized
twice. Dr. Thysseril diagnosed appellant with bipolar I disorder, depressed mild, and
1 R.C. 4731.22(B)(19) states in pertinent part as follows:
(B) The board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, shall,
to the extent permitted by law, limit, revoke, or suspend a license * * * for
one or more of the following reasons:
***
(19) Inability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of
care by reason of mental illness or physical illness, including, but not limited
to, physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or
perceptive skills.
* * * If the board finds an individual unable to practice because of the
reasons set forth in this division, the board shall require the individual to
submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or
designated by the board, as a condition for initial, continued, reinstated, or
renewed authority to practice. An individual affected under this division
shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to
resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards
under the provisions of the individual's license or certificate. For the
purpose of this division, any individual who applies for or receives a license
or certificate to practice under this chapter accepts the privilege of practicing
in this state and, by so doing, shall be deemed to have given consent to
submit to a mental or physical examination when directed to do so in writing
by the board, and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of
testimony or examination reports that constitute a privileged
communication.
No. 18AP-839 3
relational problems. The record indicates that Dr. Thysseril still was treating appellant as
of the time of the underlying proceedings.
{¶ 5} In 2015, appellant disclosed her mental illness on her training certificate
application. The board ordered her to submit to a psychiatric evaluation by Stephen
Noffsinger, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist. At that time, Dr. Noffsinger diagnosed
appellant with bipolar I disorder, most recent episode depressed, in full remission.
Dr. Noffsinger opined that appellant was incapable of practicing medicine according to
acceptable and prevailing standards of care, but opined further that appellant's diagnosis
was amenable to treatment. Consequently, on June 10, 2015, appellant entered into a
Consent Agreement that placed appellant's training certificate on probation, which
included continuing psychiatric treatment, monitoring by a physician at appellant's place
of employment, and interviews with the board for a minimum of three years. It is
undisputed that appellant fully complied with the Consent Agreement.
{¶ 6} By letter dated October 3, 2017, appellant was notified that she was being
terminated from her residency program at MetroHealth effective October 6, 2017, 34
months into her 36-month residency program. The termination letter detailed appellant's
ongoing performance, behavior, and patient care issues. The letter recounted that
appellant had been placed on administrative leave on May 25, 2017 due to a number of
incidents and observations by management that brought into question appellant's ability
to perform her essential functions as a family medicine resident in a manner that was
professional and safe for herself, her patients, and colleagues. The letter referenced several
recent incidents, including appellant's verbal outbursts toward co-workers, accusations
that co-workers had targeted and attacked her, yelling and crying during meetings, her
failure to listen to co-workers and consider relevant patient information, and a physical
reaction to a posted scheduling board that lead to a physical altercation with a co-worker.
{¶ 7} The October 3, 2017 termination letter also noted an assessment that
appellant's treating psychiatrist had provided on or about July 27, 2017. The termination
letter included the following:
Unfortunately, your provider's assessment does not provide
assurance that you will be able to immediately and consistently
perform such essential functions as appropriate and respectful
communication and interpersonal interactions with team
members, appropriate and safe reactions to and problem
No. 18AP-839 4
resolution regarding workplace issues, and effective leadership
attendant to being a senior resident. Your provider concluded
that you may be able to perform in a "low-stress outpatient
setting" or administrative setting, but he explained that you are
expected to have continued behavioral issues and reactions
during periods of high work stress and intensity. * * *
(Hearing Examiner's Report and Recommendation at ¶ 16.)
{¶ 8} Thereafter, by letter dated October 31, 2017, MetroHealth informed the board
that it had "reason to believe that a violation of [R.C.] 4731.22(B)(19) has occurred"
regarding appellant due to her behavior from May 19-24, 2017. (Hearing Examiner's
Report and Recommendation at ¶ 17.)
{¶ 9} Based on the report from MetroHealth, the board sent appellant a certified
letter notifying her it had reason to believe she was in violation of R.C. 4731.22(B)(19) and
ordering her to submit to another psychiatric evaluation by Dr. Noffsinger. Appellant was
evaluated by Dr. Noffsinger on November 1, 2017.
{¶ 10} In a report dated January 16, 2018, Dr. Noffsinger notified the board that, as
a result of the evaluation, he diagnosed appellant with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar
type. Dr. Noffsinger opined that appellant's condition rendered her incapable of practicing
medicine according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care. He further opined that
appellant's practice should be limited to a low-stress administrative type of practice in
which she would not engage in direct patient care, in either an inpatient or outpatient
setting.
{¶ 11} On February 14, 2018, the board issued a Notice of Summary Suspension and
Opportunity of Hearing ("the notice") advising appellant that it had reason to believe she
was in violation of R.C. 4731.22(B)(19). By letter dated February 16, 2018, appellant
requested a hearing on the allegations contained in the notice.
{¶ 12} An administrative hearing was held before a board-appointed hearing
examiner on April 17-18, 2019. The evidence in the record before us includes numerous
documents in addition to the testimony of witnesses and evidence admitted at the
administrative hearing.
{¶ 13} Appellant appeared at the hearing with counsel and presented evidence and
testimony. In addition to testifying herself, she called two witnesses to testify on her behalf:
Thomas Thysseril, M.D., her treating psychiatrist since 2014; and Sheng Liu, M.D., her
No. 18AP-839 5
academic advisor at MetroHealth. Appellant also stipulated to the authenticity and
admissibility of the board's exhibits.
{¶ 14} Three witnesses were called to testify on behalf of the board. First, Stephen
Noffsinger, M.D., the board-certified psychiatrist who evaluated appellant in 2015 and 2017
at the board's request, testified as to his psychiatric evaluations of appellant and his
opinions as to appellant's ability to practice medicine. Second, Leanne Chrisman-Khawam,
M.D. (hereafter referred to as "Dr. Chrisman"), currently an assistant professor and the
director of the Transformative Care Continuum at Ohio University Heritage College of
Osteopathic Medicine in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, who had been appellant's monitoring
physician at MetroHealth, testified as to her observations of, and experiences with,
appellant at MetroHealth. Third, Annette Jones, M.D., a compliance officer for the board,
testified as to her involvement with appellant's performance under the Consent Agreement
appellant entered into in 2015 and communications with or concerning appellant.
{¶ 15} On April 26, 2018, the hearing examiner issued a 31-page report and
recommendation that found the evidence adduced at the hearing established that appellant
suffered from an "[i]nability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards
of care by reason of mental illness or physical illness, including, but not limited to, physical
deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills," as set forth in
R.C. 4731.22(B)(19). (Hearing Examiner's Report and Recommendation at 25.) The
hearing examiner recommended that appellant's certificate to practice medicine and
surgery be permanently limited and restricted so that she would not be involved with direct
patient care, either inpatient or outpatient. The hearing examiner also recommended that
appellant be placed on probation for at least 2 years. Finally, the hearing examiner
recommended that appellant's certificate be fully restored upon successful completion of
probation, but permanently limited and restricted to bar direct patient care.
{¶ 16} The board considered the Report and Recommendation at its June 13, 2018
meeting, at which time it heard from both appellant and the board. After reviewing the
evidence, the board issued its order on June 27, 2018. The draft minutes of the board
meeting indicate discussion among the board members regarding the testimonial and
documentary evidence adduced at the hearing. A physician member of the board observed
that "the board takes action based on behavior, not diagnosis," and that appellant's
No. 18AP-839 6
"behavior is controllable with additional treatment and additional consideration given to
her practicing environment." (June 13, 2018 Board Minutes Excerpt.) The board member
proposed modifying the hearing officer's recommended sanction, to allow appellant's
practice to include direct patient care in an outpatient setting. Following discussion, seven
members of the board voted to amend the hearing examiner's proposed order to, among
other things, limit appellant from practicing in an inpatient setting, and to suspend
appellant's license until two board-certified psychiatrists recommend that she is able to
safely and competently practice medicine in an outpatient and/or administrative setting.
Seven members of the board then voted to approve the hearing examiner's Findings of Fact,
Conclusions of Law, and Proposed Order, as amended. The amended order suspends
appellant's license for an indefinite period of time. The order contains six conditions for
reinstatement or restoration of appellant's license, all of which appellant must meet before
the board will consider reinstating or restoring her license. The order further provides that,
upon reinstatement or restoration, appellant's license will be subject to specified
probationary terms, conditions, and limitations for a period of at least three years. The
order states that, upon successful completion of probation, appellant's certificate will be
fully restored, but permanently limited and restricted so as to "not involve direct patient
care in an inpatient setting." (Order at 1.)
{¶ 17} Appellant appealed the board's order to the common pleas court pursuant to
R.C. 119.12. The parties briefed the matter, after which the common pleas court issued a
decision and entry affirming the board's order, finding that the order is supported by
reliable, probative, and substantial evidence and is in accordance with law, pursuant to R.C.
119.12. The trial court concluded its decision with the following observation:
Though Appellant disagreed with the severity of the sanction,
[she] did not and could not contest the legitimacy of the
sanction. The restriction imposed is one legally authorized and
within the Board's authority. This Court does not have the
ability to change a sanction if – as in this case – the sanction is
supported by reliable, probative and substantial evidence.
(Emphasis sic.) (June 27, 2018 Decision and Entry at 8.)
{¶ 18} Appellant now appeals the common pleas court's decision.
II. ASSIGNMENT OF ERRORS
{¶ 19} Appellant presents for our review a single assignment of error:
No. 18AP-839 7
The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas erred by
affirming the Findings, Order and Journal Entry dated
June 27, 2018 (the "Order") of the State Medical Board of Ohio
(the "Board").
{¶ 20} Appellant argues that the common pleas court abused its discretion when it
affirmed the board's order because the board's decision is not supported by reliable,
probative, and substantial evidence and is not in accordance with law for three reasons:
(1) "there is no evidence that [appellant's] impairment is permanent," (2) "the [b]oard
relied on testimony from an expert who based his opinion on incomplete information and
gave inconsistent testimony," and (3) the board "is applying its enforcement duties in an
arbitrary manner." (Appellant's Brief at v-vi, 1.)
III. LAW AND DISCUSSION
A. Standard of Review
{¶ 21} An appeal from an administrative agency is governed by R.C. 119.12, which
states in pertinent part as follows:
The court may affirm the order of the agency complained of in
the appeal if it finds, upon consideration of the entire record
and any additional evidence the court has admitted, that the
order is supported by reliable, probative, and substantial
evidence and is in accordance with law. In the absence of this
finding, it may reverse, vacate, or modify the order or make
such other ruling as is supported by reliable, probative, and
substantial evidence and is in accordance with law.
Under this provision, "a reviewing trial court is bound to uphold the order if it is supported
by reliable, probative, and substantial evidence, and is in accordance with law." Pons v.
Ohio State Med. Bd., 66 Ohio St.3d 619, 621 (1993). Evidence for purposes of R.C. 119.12 is
reliable, probative, and substantial when it "is dependable; that is, it can be confidently
trusted," is "relevant in determining the issue," and has "some weight; it must have
importance and value." Our Place, Inc. v. Ohio Liquor Control Comm., 63 Ohio St.3d 570,
571 (1992).
{¶ 22} This Court has previously addressed the common pleas court's role in
reviewing the administrative record. In Glasstetter v. Rehab Servs. Comm., 10th Dist. No.
13AP-932, 2014-Ohio-3014, ¶ 14, we held:
The common pleas court's " 'review of the administrative
record is neither a trial de novo nor an appeal on questions of
No. 18AP-839 8
law only, but a hybrid review in which the court "must appraise
all the evidence as to the credibility of the witnesses, the
probative character of the evidence, and the weight thereof." ' "
Akron v. Ohio Dept. of Ins., 10th Dist. No. 13AP-473, 2014-
Ohio-96, ¶ 19, 9 N.E.3d 371, quoting Lies v. Ohio Veterinary
Med. Bd., 2 Ohio App.3d 204, 207, 2 Ohio B. 223, 441 N.E.2d
584 (1st Dist.1981), quoting Andrews v. Bd. of Liquor Control,
164 Ohio St. 275, 280, 131 N.E.2d 390 (1955). The court "must
give due deference to the administrative determination of
conflicting testimony, including the resolution of credibility
conflicts." ATS Inst. of Technology v. Ohio Bd. of Nursing, 10th
Dist. No. 12AP-385, 2012-Ohio-6030, ¶ 29, 985 N.E.2d 198,
citing Crumpler v. State Bd. of Edn., 71 Ohio App.3d 526, 528,
594 N.E.2d 1071 (10th Dist.1991). The court must defer to the
agency's findings of fact unless they are " 'internally
inconsistent, impeached by evidence of a prior inconsistent
statement, rest upon improper inferences, or are otherwise
unsupportable.' " Kimbro v. Ohio Dept. of Adm. Servs., 10th
Dist. No. 12AP-1053, 2013-Ohio-2519, ¶ 7, quoting Ohio
Historical Soc. v. State Emp. Relations Bd., 66 Ohio St.3d 466,
471, 1993 Ohio 182, 613 N.E.2d 591 (1993). However, the
common pleas court reviews legal questions de novo. Akron at
¶ 19, citing Ohio Historical Soc. at 471.
{¶ 23} Our role in reviewing the common pleas court's appellate review of an
administrative appeal is limited to determining if the common pleas court abused its
discretion. Smith v. State Med. Bd. of Ohio, 10th Dist. No. 12AP-234, 2012-Ohio-4423,
¶ 13, citing Roy v. Ohio State Med. Bd., 80 Ohio App.3d 675, 680 (10th Dist.1992). An
abuse of discretion occurs when a trial court's discretionary judgment is unreasonable,
arbitrary, or unconscionable. State ex rel. McCann v. Del. Cty. Bd. of Elections, 155 Ohio
St.3d 14, 2018-Ohio-3342, ¶ 12; State v. Meek, 10th Dist. No. 16AP-549, 2017-Ohio-9258,
¶ 23. Even under an abuse of discretion standard, however, "no court has the authority,
within its discretion, to commit an error of law." (Quotations and citations omitted.) Shaw
v. Underwood, 10th Dist. No. 16AP-605, 2017-Ohio-845, ¶ 25; State v. Akbari, 10th Dist.
No. 13AP-319, 2013-Ohio-5709, ¶ 7. In other words, " '[a] court abuses its discretion when
its ruling is founded on an error of law or a misapplication of law to the facts.' "
Independence v. Office of the Cuyahoga Cty. Executive, 142 Ohio St.3d 125, 2014-Ohio-
4650, ¶ 49, (O'Donnell, J., dissenting), quoting Doe v. Natl. Bd. of Med. Examiners, 199
F.3d 146, 154 (3d Cir.1999). Absent an abuse of discretion on the part of the common pleas
court, this Court may not substitute its judgment for that of the board or the common pleas
No. 18AP-839 9
court. Pons at 621, citing Lorain City School Dist. Bd. of Edn. v. State Emp. Relations Bd.,
40 Ohio St.3d 257, 260-61 (1988).
{¶ 24} The common pleas court found the board's order to be supported by reliable,
probative, and substantial evidence and in accordance with law, as required by the
governing statute, R.C. 4731.22(B)(19). This Court has de novo review of questions of law.
Gross v. Ohio State Med. Bd., 10th Dist. No. 08AP-437, 2008-Ohio-6826, ¶ 16, citing
Chirila v. Ohio State Chiropractic Bd., 145 Ohio App.3d 589, 592 (10th Dist.2001), citing
Steinfels v. Ohio Dept. of Commerce, Div. of Secs., 129 Ohio App.3d 800, 803 (10th
Dist.1998), appeal not allowed, 84 Ohio St.3d 1488. See also Univ. Hosp., Univ. of
Cincinnati College of Medicine v. State Emp. Relations Bd., 63 Ohio St.3d 339, 343 (1992);
Big Bob's, Inc. v. Ohio Liquor Control Comm., 151 Ohio App.3d 498, 501 (10th Dist.2003).
Thus, when reviewing this appeal of a common pleas court's appellate review of a state
administrative order, this Court uses the same standard as the common pleas court in
determining whether the board's order is in accordance with law. Our legal review,
therefore, is independent and without deference to the common pleas court's
determination.
B. Assignment of Error
{¶ 25} The board argues the record contains reliable, probative, and substantial
evidence to support its order finding appellant in violation of R.C. 4731.22(B)(19). After
giving full consideration to appellant's case at its June 13, 2018 meeting, the board adopted
the hearing examiner's report but modified the recommended sanction. The board
determined the evidence before it established that appellant suffered from an "[i]nability
to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of mental
illness or physical illness, including, but not limited to, physical deterioration that adversely
affects cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills," as set forth in R.C. 4731.22(B)(19).
Accordingly, the board issued an order that permanently limited and restricted appellant's
license in a manner consistent with the authority vested in the board under R.C.
4731.22(B)(19). See generally June 13, 2018 Board Minutes Excerpt.
{¶ 26} On appeal, the common pleas court upheld the board's order, finding that it
was supported by reliable, probative, and substantial evidence in the record and was in
accordance with law.
No. 18AP-839 10
{¶ 27} Appellant challenges the common pleas court's decision for the following
reasons:
There is no evidence in the record to support a finding that
[appellant] is permanently impaired such that her medical
license should be subject to a permanent limitation or
restriction. The Board relied on expert testimony that was
based on incomplete information and was internally
inconsistent. The Board applied its enforcement duties in an
arbitrary manner.
Accordingly, the Board issued an Order that is unsupported by
reliable, probative, and substantial evidence and is not is
accordance with law. Therefore, the Franklin County Court of
Common Please abused its discretion and erred in affirming
the Board's Order, and the Board's Order should be vacated,
and this case should be remanded to the Board with
instructions to remove the permanent practice restriction and
to impose a sanction consistent with the evidence in this case.
(Appellant's Brief at 1-2.)
{¶ 28} We disagree with appellant's argument. First, nothing in R.C. 4731.22
requires the board to make a factual finding or to show evidence that an impairment could
be permanent before it imposes a sanction under division (B)(19). Moreover, we find the
record contains reliable, probative, and substantial evidence that appellant's impairment is
permanent. Dr. Noffsinger testified at the hearing that appellant's schizoaffective sisorder
renders her incapable of practicing medicine according to acceptable and prevailing
standards of care, for multiple reasons. He stated that appellant has a history of being so
ill due to her disorder that she becomes impaired and is unable to practice medicine, and
that she has required various psychiatric medications over the course of years in order to
either treat her active symptoms of her illness, or to prevent a relapse of her symptoms. He
observed that, despite ongoing treatment, appellant "has experienced recurrent episodes of
paranoia as evidenced by those 2016 and 2017 events that substantially impacted her
judgment, her behavior, her capacity to recognize reality, and to professionally interact with
patients, peers and supervisors." (Hearing Tr. at 61.)
{¶ 29} Dr. Noffsinger also testified that, in his opinion, appellant's disorder is
amenable to treatment. He did not, however, opine that appellant's disorder can be cured.
To the contrary, Dr. Noffsinger testified as follows:
No. 18AP-839 11
The schizoaffective disorder is a chronic relapsing disorder,
and, * * * given her history of multiple episodes of depression,
mania, and freestanding paranoia, it's likely to reoccur, and
when it does occur it can be disabling, it can make her unable
to practice.
So for that reason she requires treatment with medications in
order to prevent a reoccurrence of her disabling symptoms.
At least my interpretation of the Board rules indicates that
under Rule 4731.2801, this term "inability to practice" includes
an inability to practice in accordance with such standards
without appropriate treatment, monitoring, or supervision.
And, in fact, she does indeed require medication treatment for
the symptoms of her schizoaffective disorder. So because she
needs medication treatment to sustain her ability to practice,
she is, by definition, unable to practice.
(Emphasis added.) (Hearing Tr. at 60-62.) Dr. Noffsinger's testimony provides reliable,
probative, and substantial evidence that appellant's disorder, or impairment, is permanent.
{¶ 30} Second, appellant argues that the board erred in relying on Dr. Noffsinger's
testimony because he based his opinion on incomplete information and gave inconsistent
testimony. Dr. Noffsinger acknowledged on cross-examination that he had not spoken with
appellant's current monitoring physician, her academic advisor, or her treating psychiatrist
before forming his opinion. Nonetheless, his testimony as to the information he relied on
in connection with both evaluations he conducted of appellant prior to forming his opinion
regarding appellant's disorder is highly credible. He testified that, based on the information
he was provided in connection with his 2015 psychiatric evaluation of appellant, he
diagnosed appellant with bipolar I disorder, most recent episode depressed, in full
remission. He defined dipolar I disorder as requiring at least one manic episode which
results in either a hospitalization or significant social or occupational dysfunction and can
be treated successfully with medication. Dr. Noffsinger also testified that, in talking with
appellant in connection with the 2017 evaluation, he found her version of events different
from the documentation he set forth in his report to the board. He opined that appellant
did not have "especially good insight" into her condition. (Hearing Tr. at 67.)
Dr. Noffsinger further testified that his 2017 evaluation of appellant found new evidence of
paranoia and offered as examples several episodes of appellant's behavior at MetroHealth,
No. 18AP-839 12
including her allegations that staff were harming, even killing, patients to retaliate against
her.
{¶ 31} Additionally, Dr. Noffsinger testified about records received from
Dr. Thysseril stating that, "when [appellant's] stress level becomes high, she may become
verbally aggressive and uncooperative." (Hearing Tr. at 48.) Dr. Noffsinger stated that
"this is where [Dr. Thysseril is] recommending that [appellant] not practice in a high stress
inpatient environment." (Hearing Tr. at 48-49.) Dr. Noffsinger noted updated records
from Dr. Thysseril changed appellant's diagnosis to bipolar I disorder mixed with paranoia
mild. Dr. Noffsinger testified that, even though Dr. Thysseril and he agree about appellant's
bipolar I disorder diagnosis and her paranoia, they disagree about the nomenclature. He
explained:
[T]here's no such thing as Bipolar I disorder with paranoia.
That's why I changed my diagnosis to schizoaffective disorder,
which I think more accurately incorporates the paranoia into
the diagnosis. But regardless, we even have Dr. Thysseril
embracing the paranoia as part of the diagnosis.
(Hearing Tr. at 49.)
{¶ 32} Dr. Noffsinger further explained that he had changed appellant's diagnosis
because, "with the multiple reports of [appellant's] paranoia by multiple people, that did
not occur in the context of a manic or depressive episode, * * * that * * * justified a change
in diagnosis to schizoaffective disorder." (Hearing Tr. at 57-58.)
{¶ 33} Dr. Noffsinger also testified that he had concerns about Dr. Thysseril
conducting a forensic evaluation of appellant. First, Dr. Thysseril is appellant's treating
psychiatrist. Second, nothing in Dr. Thysseril's resume indicates that he is qualified to
conduct the forensic psychiatric evaluation required here. Dr. Noffsinger explained as
follows:
This is a forensic evaluation. This is a psychiatric evaluation
occurring in a legal context, so by definition it's a forensic
evaluation that requires specific methodology and training in
order to know how to conduct the forensic evaluation
appropriately.
***
[Dr. Thysseril's] resume does not describe his doing a forensic
psychiatry fellowship and does not describe Board certification
No. 18AP-839 13
either in psychiatry or forensic psychiatry. So based on his
resume, I would say no, he's not been trained or certified to
conduct forensic evaluations.
(Hearing Tr. at 65.)
{¶ 34} Dr. Noffsinger also testified that Dr. Thysseril, in conducting his own
examination, appeared to have reviewed Dr. Noffsinger's report "but he does not describe
reading any of the other documents such as the MetroHealth program documents from Dr.
Chrisman or Dr. Zack, Dr. Alexander, or any of [appellant's] past records." (Hearing Tr. at
65.) Finally, Dr. Noffsinger testified that he disagreed "with [Dr. Thysseril's] methodology,
his diagnosis, his qualifications, and his conclusions." (Hearing Tr. at 66.)
{¶ 35} The record demonstrates that appellant's assertion that the board's reliance
on Dr. Noffsinger's expert testimony is unfounded. The board is the trier of fact in this
matter and, as such, determines the credibility and reliability of expert witnesses. The
board's determination is entitled to a measure of deference. McRae v. State Med. Bd. of
Ohio, 10th Dist. No. 13AP-526, 2014-Ohio-667. The board asserts that its acceptance of Dr.
Noffsinger's opinion is "entitled to a strong measure of deference and cannot be overturned
here simply because [appellant] disagrees." (Appellee's Brief at 19-20.) We agree.
{¶ 36} Third, appellant alleges that the board applied its enforcement duties in an
arbitrary manner. We do not find this allegation persuasive. The board found appellant in
violation of R.C. 4731.22(B)(19), which authorizes the board to impose a range of sanctions.
As we have discussed, it is well-established law that a reviewing court cannot modify a
sanction authorized by statute if the board order imposing the sanction is supported by
reliable, probative, and substantial evidence and is in accordance with law. Henry's Café,
Inc. v. Ohio Bd. of Liquor Control, 170 Ohio St. 223 (1959).
{¶ 37} The sole issue before this Court is whether, on consideration of the record,
the order is supported by reliable, probative, and substantial evidence and is in accordance
with law. We find the board had reliable, probative, and substantial evidence for placing
permanent restriction on appellant's license under R.C. 4731.22(B)(19). Therefore, the
court of common pleas committed no error in upholding the board's order and appellant's
assignment of error is overruled.
No. 18AP-839 14
IV. CONCLUSION
{¶ 38} Having independently reviewed the record, we find that the common pleas
court did not abuse its discretion on appellate review when it affirmed the board's order
permanently restricting appellant's license to practice in Ohio. Accordingly, we overrule
appellant's sole assignment of error and affirm the judgment of the Franklin County Court
of Common Pleas.
Judgment affirmed.
BROWN and NELSON, JJ., concur.