On December 28, 2017, a disciplinary panel of the Texas Medical Board temporarily restricted, with notice, the medical license of Joshua Kern, M.D., after determining his continuation in the unrestricted practice of medicine posed a continuing threat to public welfare. TMB found that on November 1, 2017, Dr. Kern was arrested by the Dallas County Hospital District Police Department and charged with Diversion of Controlled Substances. The arrest was related to two incidents that occurred at Parkland Hospital in September 2017.
Dr. Kern submitted evidence to TMB demonstrating that he had enrolled and completed inpatient rehabilitation and was actively participating in outpatient programs, including drug screening. Dr. Kern’s temporary suspension was lifted and he was immediately placed under strict conditions. Those conditions included: 1) public referral to the Texas Physician Health Program; 2) agreement to abstain from the consumption of prohibited substances as defined in his signed interim agreement; 3) notify TMB Compliance Department within ten days of any drug screening violation; and 4) within 30 days undergo an independent medical evaluation and follow all recommendations made by the evaluating psychiatrist.
Healthcare providers with known substance use disorders should avail themselves of the Texas Physician Health Program (http://www.txphp.state.tx.us/). The mission of the Texas Physician Health Program is to protect the health of Texans and to promote medical excellence by serving physicians, physician assistants, acupuncturists, and surgical assistants affected by substance use disorders, physical illnesses and impairment, and/or psychiatric conditions. It fulfills this mission by providing education, recognition, and assistance in diagnosis and treatment for participants through a recovery program adapted and monitored according to their specific needs.
