MOUNT VERNON — A Knox Community Hospital physician has taken a leave of absence while the State Medical Board of Ohio investigates sexual impropriety allegations.
The SMBO notified Dr. Frederick C. Carroll on March 12 that it is investigating whether to limit, revoke, permanently revoke or suspend his license based on a patient’s allegations of sexual misconduct.
According to Alice Hutzel, director of marketing and development for KCH, the leave of absence is temporary and voluntary.
“Knox Community Hospital is committed to patient well-being and ensuring that individuals feel safe when cared for in our hospital and in physician clinics,” she said.
“In compliance with applicable privacy laws, regulations, and our own policies, our hospital does not disclose personal information about personnel or patients. However, we can share that Dr. Fred Carroll has taken a temporary, voluntary leave of absence.”
Hutzel said KCH Department of Primary Care representatives are in contact with Carroll’s patients to reschedule appointments to ensure continuity of care.
“The hospital conducted a thorough investigation and took appropriate action based on the information we had available at the time,” she said.
Hutzel said the state medical board based its citation on one patient’s complaint.
Sexual impropriety allegations
According to the complaint filed with the SMBO, Carroll provided wellness exams and prescribed medication to the patient over the course of 15 visits between April 28, 2021, and July 1, 2024.
The complaint alleges Carroll was aware of the patient’s diagnoses of bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol dependence, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Additionally, the complaint alleges Carroll was aware the patient’s medical history included two suicide attempts by gunshot.
“You treated him for migraine headaches,” the SMBO letter states.
On July 1, 2024, the patient was referred to Carroll for follow-up care after a 10-day hospitalization for alcohol dependence and suicidal thoughts.
At that visit, Carroll allegedly engaged in sexual contact with the patient without providing an appropriate health care service. Carroll allegedly touched the patient’s nipples.
After the appointment, Carroll allegedly shared his personal cell phone number with the patient and texted the patient more than 130 times between July 1 and July 7, 2024.
The complaint alleges Carroll engaged in sexual impropriety when he shared his sexual performance, preferences, and history with the patient. Carroll also allegedly shared detailed pornography preferences and sought to learn the patient’s sexual preferences and history.
The complaint also alleges Carroll engaged in sexual impropriety when he solicited an encounter with the patient, asking more than 10 times to see the patient over the Fourth of July weekend.
The patient did not accept.
Next steps
The SMBO said Carroll’s alleged conduct is “a departure from, or the failure to conform to, minimal standards of care of similar physicians under the same or similar circumstances, whether or not actual injury to a patient is established.”
In addition to the action the board might take, the board can impose a civil penalty of up to $20,000.
Carroll’s attorney, Beth Collis of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, said the medical board set a hearing for Oct. 1-2. She noted the date is subject to change.
Collis said Carroll continues to hold an active, unrestricted license to practice medicine in Ohio during the hearing process.
Carroll, a Gambier resident, joined Knox Community Hospital in 2014. He received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
He is board-certified in internal medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. According to the KCH website, Carroll’s overall patient satisfaction score is 4.8.
The patient survey uses a 5-star scale to make it easier for patients to compare physicians. More stars mean better quality care. Questions include:
- Provider showed concern
- Provider explained things clearly
- Provider included you in decisions
- Provider discussed treatment options
- Likelihood of recommending this provider
