Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011 | 3:31 p.m.
CARSON CITY – The state Board of Medical Examiners has suspended the license of a respiratory therapist who was found to be under the influence of drugs while on duty at University Medical Center.
In its order, the board said therapist Gary Roberts couldn't be found while on duty Aug. 5 at the hospital. “He was discovered in a restroom in UMC incoherent and disoriented with slurred speech and red, watery eyes,” the board’s complaint said.
Drugs were found in a urine sample of Roberts. A syringe and needle were found in the restroom where Roberts was discovered, officials said.
Roberts resigned from the hospital before the state investigation was complete. He admitted he had a drug problem and is now in treatment.
The board said the "health, safety and welfare of the public is at imminent risk of harm," which merited immediate suspension.
The board will set a hearing within 45 days to examine the case. Roberts has been licensed to practice as a respiratory therapist since November 2001.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy