State regulators have placed the medical license of a McNairy County physician on probation following an investigation into opioid prescribing practices and clinical record management. Dr. Barton Austin Chase III, who practices in Ramer, Tennessee, faces operational limitations under a disciplinary order issued by the Tennessee Department of Health’s Board of Medical Examiners.
According to state disciplinary records, the regulatory action stems from multiple allegations involving unprofessional conduct, gross negligence, and the improper issuance of powerful narcotics.
Disciplinary Terms and Practice Restrictions
Under the terms handed down by the Board of Medical Examiners, Dr. Barton Austin Chase III has been placed on probation for at least five years, according to WBBJ. The disciplinary order prohibits him from prescribing controlled substances for a minimum of three years and forbids him from supervising mid-level healthcare providers for at least five years.
In addition to practice restrictions, the physician was ordered to pay $8,000 in civil penalties. State documents outline a path for potential reinstatement of prescribing privileges. If those restrictions are ever lifted, the doctor must complete at least two years of monitored practice alongside specialized educational courses focusing on proper medical documentation and safe prescribing protocols for controlled medications.
Core Allegations and Regulatory Violations
The state board’s review cataloged a series of infractions regarding patient care and administrative integrity. Investigators accused Dr. Chase of prescribing controlled substances in amounts or durations that were neither advisable nor justifiable. Furthermore, regulatory filings state he prescribed these medications to individuals struggling with addiction without making a bona fide effort to treat their underlying substance use disorder.
Board documents also cite several administrative and clinical failures, including:
- Engaging in unprofessional, dishonorable, or unethical conduct.
- Demonstrating gross negligence or a pattern of repeated healthcare liability, ignorance, negligence, or incompetence.
- Issuing controlled substances in violation of state or federal law.
- Failing to follow established state guidelines for prescribing controlled medications.
- Practicing without proper documentation of a patient’s history, physical examination, individualized treatment plan, and discussion of treatment options.
- Utilizing “cloning” techniques in medical records and pre-writing prescriptions.
Broader Context in Medical Oversight
What Comes Next
Dr. Chase must comply with all probationary conditions set forth by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. Failure to adhere to the mandated restrictions on prescribing, supervision, and practice monitoring could result in further disciplinary measures. State health officials will continue to monitor compliance through routine practice audits and educational requirements.
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