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Houston doctor suspended, accused of serving 'cocktail drugs' at unregistered pain clinic

HOUSTON – The Texas Medical Board has suspended a Houston doctor's license, saying that "her continuation in the practice of medicine poses a continuing threat to public welfare."

Myrtle Oates is accused of operating an unregistered pain management clinic in which patients would pay between $250 and $400 in cash for visits. The patients would receive a "combination of cocktail drugs including opioids and carisoprodol," according to a release from TMB.

WATCH: Myrtle Oates confronted by Channel 2 Investigates

Oates' suspension was effective immediately and will remain in place until the board takes action.

Oates, who is licensed as a gynecologist with the Texas Medical Board, was at the center of a Houston Police Department undercover pill mill operation in 2016.

READ: Doctor at center of pill mill investigation arrested

She was authorizing prescriptions for narcotics such as hydrocodone and carisoprodol, police said.

She was arrested on felony charges for prescribing narcotics without proper licensing, according to police.

READ: Original KPRC2 report exposing SW Houston pill mill

Here is a copy of the release:

"On February 9, 2018, a disciplinary panel of the Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended, without notice, the Texas medical license of Myrtle Oates, M.D. (Lic. No. J3565), after determining her continuation in the practice of medicine poses a continuing threat to public welfare. The suspension was effective immediately.

"The Board panel found that Dr. Oates has been operating an unregistered pain management clinic and a recent review of her electronic prescribing information determined a site visit to obtain patient records was necessary. Records showed patients were paying $250 to $400 in cash for visits and that patients were receiving a combination of cocktail drugs including opioids and carisoprodol.

"A temporary suspension hearing with notice will be held as soon as practicable with 10 days' notice to Dr. Oates, unless the hearing is specifically waived by Dr. Oates.

"The temporary suspension remains in place until the Board takes further action."


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