May 25, 2010, OLYMPIA--A Seattle doctor accused of trading sex for drugs with a prostitute has been ordered to stop practicing medicine immediately. Charging papers say the physician also paid money in return for sexual favors over a five-month period.
The medical license of Leonard D. Hudson (MD00010900) has been suspended by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission and the Department of Health. Hudson cannot practice medicine in Washington until charges are resolved. He has 20 days to respond and request a hearing.
Charging documents say Hudson exchanged money and prescription drugs for sex with a woman who suffered from severe addiction to prescription medication. The allegations say Hudson never medically examined the woman, never provided her with a treatment plan, and failed to keep appropriate medical records for her.
He allegedly met the woman multiple times over several months through an online escort service where she advertised sex for money. The woman also requested payment in the form of prescriptions for narcotic pain relievers Oxycontin and Percocet, and other controlled substances.
This patient eventually had to be hospitalized after suffering an overdose in March. Hudson continued to prescribe powerful opioids to her even after he was told of concerns about her substance abuse. He was also notified by law enforcement that the patient may be engaging in drug-seeking behavior and abusing prescription medication.
Hudson was recently arrested by the Seattle Police Department; the medical commission and state health department are working with law enforcement on the case.
The statement of charges says Hudson wrote a prescription in the name of the patient's friend so the prescription would be covered by the friend's insurance. The patient's friend wasn't a patient of Hudson's. Hudson's alleged prescribing practices put the patient at risk of serious harm by continuing to prescribe controlled substances to the woman knowing she was an addict. Such prescribing practices show a lack of regard for patient safety and gross negligence.
Legal documents in this case are available by calling 360-236-4700 or online; click the link to "Provider Credential Search" on the agency home page (www.doh.wa.gov).
Consumers who believe a health care provider acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call the Department of Health at 360-236-4700 to report their complaint. A complaint form is also online (www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/documents/complaint.pdf). The form can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the agency's Health Systems Quality Assurance division.
The Medical Quality Assurance Commission protects public health and safety by assuring the competency and quality of physicians and physician assistants. The commission establishes and monitors qualifications for licensure, and consistently enforces practice standards and professional conduct through discipline and continuing education.
###