The State Medical Board of Ohio has taken a firm stand against Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, voting to indefinitely suspend her medical license. This decision comes as a direct result of Dr. Tenpenny’s failure to cooperate with an investigation into her public comments about the COVID-19 vaccines. The board has also imposed a fine of $3,000 on Dr. Tenpenny, making it clear that reinstatement of her license will only be considered if she meets the board’s specified conditions.
Failure to Comply with Investigation
The investigation into Dr. Tenpenny was initiated due to approximately 350 complaints received by the board regarding her comments on the COVID-19 vaccines. Despite multiple attempts by investigators to contact and engage with Dr. Tenpenny, she consistently failed to cooperate. Initial efforts to reach out to her in person on July 14, 2021, were met with no response. Subsequent attempts to establish communication via email were also ignored.
Dr. Tenpenny later claimed to be unaware of these contact attempts, raising doubts about her level of involvement and commitment to the investigation process. However, even after being made aware of the investigation, she still declined to cooperate. In a letter from her attorney, Thomas Renz, it was stated that Dr. Tenpenny refused to respond, citing the board’s alleged bad faith and unjustified assault on her licensure, livelihood, and constitutional rights.
As a result of Dr. Tenpenny’s continued failure to cooperate, the state medical board issued a citation against her in September 2022. The citation emphasized her non-compliance with the board’s subpoena and her unwillingness to provide truthful answers to the questions posed by the investigator. In response to the citation, Dr. Tenpenny requested an administrative hearing, which was scheduled for April 2023. This allowed her the opportunity to present her defense in writing to the board.
Board’s Decision to Suspend License
Despite the administrative hearing being set, the board ultimately made the decision to suspend Dr. Tenpenny’s license. This disciplinary action was taken due to her persistent refusal to cooperate with the board’s repeated attempts to question her. The board underscored the fact that Dr. Tenpenny’s refusal was not based on any reasonable grounds but rather on her unsupported and subjective belief regarding the board’s motives for the investigation.
Impact of Dr. Tenpenny’s Actions
Dr. Sherri Tenpenny is not the only healthcare professional who has faced accusations of spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. Prevailing concerns over public health and safety have led to increased disciplinary action against those found to have engaged in such practices. The spread of misinformation in the medical field can have dire consequences, eroding public trust and potentially deterring individuals from receiving crucial vaccinations.
Dr. Sherri Tenpenny has been licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in Ohio since 1984. In 1994, she founded the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center in Middleburg Heights. However, her recent actions and refusal to cooperate with the state medical board’s investigation raise questions about her commitment to ethical and evidence-based medical practices.
The suspension of Dr. Sherri Tenpenny’s medical license serves as a stern warning to healthcare professionals who fail to cooperate with investigations into their public comments. The board’s decision to take disciplinary action highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to professional standards within the medical community. It is crucial for healthcare providers to prioritize the well-being and safety of the public, especially during times of heightened health crises.
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