A Soldotna doctor who was arrested earlier this month on federal narcotics charges voluntarily suspended his license.
On Oct. 8, special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Lavern Davidhizar, 74, alleging he illegally distributed large amounts of opioids and other powerful narcotics by writing prescriptions for patients without medical examinations and lacking medical necessity, a press release from the office of U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder.
Davidhizar signed a voluntary suspension of license on Oct. 9. The Alaska State Medical Board adopted the surrender Oct.11, an Oct. 21 state Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing press release said.
The division’s cases on the suspended license will remain open until new information is obtained, the allegations are disproved in federal court, or the allegations are proven by conviction, Monday’s release said. Once all facts are gathered, each board can then decide whether license revocation, reinstatement, or another action is applicable.
Davidhizar was arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint that charges him with illegally distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice.
The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint alleges that between 2017 and 2019 Davidhizar prescribed more than 700,000 narcotic pills, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, methadone and tramadol.
Since 1978, Davidhizar has been licensed as an osteopathic physician and holds an Alaska medical license.
If convicted, Davidhizar faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate Davidhizar’s prescribing history. The Davidhizar case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Corso and Jonas Walker.
