Attorney claims snatching doctor’s license unconstitutional
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“This was a star chamber proceeding,” said Hank Fincher of Johnson’s license suspension. “This was done in a secret hearing. We had no warning it was happening and they still haven’t shared with us who all the accusers are.”
Johnson, who is the target of several multi-million dollar lawsuits filed by former employees and patients, was stripped of his license last week by the Tennessee Board of Health amid numerous allegations. The allegations included improper sexual comments and conduct as it pertained to employees and patients, and veiled threats reportedly made against employees.
The license suspension means Johnson, who holds a private practice in his Sparta Street office, cannot practice medicine or see patients until the matter is resolved in court. The state says Johnson’s license was revoked for the safety of the public until his case can be heard in court or before the medical board.
“We’ve sued the state to reverse this action,” Fincher said, noting he hopes to obtain a court injunction against the state suspension within the next couple of weeks from the Davidson County court system. “My client denies the allegations.”
Fincher said he believes many of those making the allegations are disgruntled former employees, some of whom are already suing Johnson and stand to have a monetary gain.
“This has been a big slap in the face to him, but he’s dealing with it well,” Fincher said.
Fincher says he intends to prove the state’s action was unconstitutional, due in part to the fact it was conducted in secret without affording his client an opportunity to respond to the allegations. In addition to getting his client’s license back, Fincher said he wants to change the way the state conducts such actions.
“We want to try to keep this from happening to anyone in the future,” Fincher said.