Final Order No. DOH-18-0761-60 -MQA

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STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
In Re:

FILED DATE
Departur e
By:

Deputy

h

e It

CO GL,
cy Clerk

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608
ORDER OF EMERGENCY RESTRICTION OF LICENSE

Celeste Philip, M.D., M.P.H., State Surgeon General, ORDERS the
emergency restriction of the license of Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D., (Dr.
Bedoya) to practice medicine in the State of Florida. Dr. Bedoya holds license
number ME 39435. His address of record is 4600 Military Trail, Suite 110,
Jupiter, Florida 33477. The following Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
support the emergency restriction of Dr. Bedoya's license to practice medicine
in the State of Florida.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1.

The Department of Health (Department) is the state agency

charged with regulating the practice of medicine, pursuant to Chapters 20, 456,
and 458, Florida Statutes (2017). Section 456.073(8), Florida Statutes (2017),
authorizes the State Surgeon General to summarily restrict Dr. Bedoya's
license to practice as a physician in the state of Florida, in accordance with
Section 120.60(6), Florida Statutes (2017).
2.

At all times material to this Order, Dr. Bedoya practiced as a

 In Re:

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

licensed physician with a specialty in cardiovascular disease.
3.

On or about July 28, 2011, August 02, 2011, and August 5, 2011,

the Professional's Resource Network (PRN)1 received calls regarding Dr.
Bedoya's suspected impairment.
4.

On or about August 8, 2011, Dr. Bedoya returned PRN's phone calls

regarding his suspected impairment. A PRN file was opened for Dr. Bedoya,
and he was given referrals for an evaluation.
5.

By September 29, 2011, Dr. Bedoya was not compliant with PRN.

6.

On or about December 13, 2011, Dr. Bedoya returned to PRN.

7.

Dr. Bedoya was evaluated at Florida Recovery Center, where he

was diagnosed with cocaine and alcohol dependence and mood disorder. Dr.
Bedoya was released from Florida Recovery Center on or about June 22, 2012.
8.

On or about July 30, 2012, Dr. Bedoya executed a 5-year

monitoring contract with PRN.
9.

On or about September 11, 2012, Dr. Bedoya submitted a urinalysis

which was positive for cocaine2 and metabolites of cocaine. On or about March

PRN is a Department-contracted consultant for matters dealing with impaired healthcare practitioners
According to Section 893.03(2), Florida Statutes (2011-2017), cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance
that has a high potential for abuse and has a currently accepted but severely restricted medical use in
treatment in the United States. Abuse of cocaine may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence
2

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 In Re:

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

6, 2013, Dr. Bedoya submitted a hair toxicology test which returned positive
for cocaine.
10. Following these positive toxicology tests for cocaine, Theodore R.
Treese, M.D., (Dr. Treese) evaluated Dr. Bedoya and diagnosed him with
depressive disorder, polysubstance dependence (cocaine, cannabis3, alcohol),
early sustained remission, and cocaine-use induced mood disorder with manic
features, with onsets during both withdrawal and intoxication. Dr. Treese
opined that Dr. Bedoya was unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety.
11.

After Dr. Bedoya completed neuropsychological testing, he was

permitted to return to practice as a physician in May 2013.
12.

On or about February 15, 2015, Dr. Bedoya submitted a urinalysis

which was positive for EtG and EtS metabolites of ethanol.4 Dr. Bedoya also
submitted a dilute urine sample.5

According to Section 893.03(1), Florida Statutes (year), cannabis is a Schedule I controlled substance that
has a high potential for abuse and has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in Florida. The term
does not include "low-THC cannabis" or "medical cannabis," as defined in Section 381.986, Florida Statutes
(year), if manufactured, ordered, possessed, sold, purchased, delivered, distributed, or dispensed, in
conformance with Section 381.986, Florida Statutes (year).
4 Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and Ethyl Sulfate (EtS) are metabolites of ethanol alcohol. The presence of EtG and
EtS in urine is an indicator that alcohol has been ingested
5 A donor may attempt to decrease the concentration of drugs or drug metabolites that may be present in
his/her urine by dilution. Dilution may occur in vivo, by consumption of large volumes of liquid—often in
conjunction with a diuretic, or in vitro, by adding water or another liquid to the specimen. Donors also have
been known to substitute urine specimens with drug free urine or other liquid during specimen collection. Due
to donor privacy considerations, collections for federally regulated drug testing programs are routinely
unobserved. Therefore, dilution and substitution may be undetected by collectors and be viable methods for
3

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 In Re:

13.

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Eetioya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

In or about April, 2015, Dr. Bedoya submitted a hair toxicology test

which returned positive for cocaine. Dr. Bedoya was again withdrawn from
practice and referred for a recovery status evaluation and residential treatment
was recommended.
14.

On or around May 27, 2015, through August 26, 2015, Dr. Bedoya

underwent treatment at HealthCare Connection.
15.

On or about August 26, 2015, Dr. Bedoya was involved in an

automobile accident which resulted in him being hospitalized for approximately
4 months.
16.

When officers from the City of Miami Police Department responded

to the scene of the accident, they discovered that a female minor, who was
reported as a runaway from her home four months prior, was also in the vehicle
with Dr. Bedoya when the accident occurred.
17.

Through interviews with the minor, officers learned that during the

previous year, Dr. Bedoya had paid the female minor and another female minor
money in exchange for sexual intercourse. Dr. Bedoya also provided the two

defeating drug tests. Medical Review Officer Guidance Manual for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, effective October 1, 2017.
Available at https://www.samhsa.govisites/default/files/workplace/mro-guidance-manual-oct2017_2.pdf

Page 4 of 13

 In Re:

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

female minors with alcohol and drugs.
18.

On or about September 19, 2016, Dr. Bedoya was arrested and

charged with 2 counts of lewd/lascivious battery/sexual activity and 2 counts
of contributing to the delinquency/dependency of a child in Miami-Dade County
case number 2016CF0180740001. The case is pending resolution.
19.

On or about February 28, 2017, and again on March 2, 2017, Dr.

Bedoya submitted toxicology samples which returned positive for
amphetamine.6
20.

Dr. Bedoya was required to withdraw from practice and undergo a

recovery status evaluation.
21.

During his recovery status evaluation, it was concluded that Dr.

Bedoya tested positive for amphetamines due to his use of an herbal stimulant
product he obtained on the Internet, which he assumed did not contain
controlled substances. Dr. Bedoya alleged that he urine drug tested himself in
order to come to that conclusion. The evaluator allowed Dr. Bedoya to return
to practice.

6 According to Section 893.03(2), Florida Statutes (2016-2017), amphetamine is a Schedule II controlled
substance that has a high potential for abuse and has a currently accepted but severely restricted medical use
in treatment in the United States. Abuse of amphetamine may lead to severe psychological or physical
dependence

Page 5 of 13

 In Re:

22.

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

On or about June 21, 2017, Dr. Bedoya submitted a urinalysis which

was positive for EtG and EtS metabolites of ethanol.
23.

Dr. Bedoya was required to withdraw from practice and undergo a

recovery status evaluation and was recommended to complete residential
treatment.
24.

On or about July 9, 2017, through September 2, 2017, Dr. Bedoya

underwent residential treatment at Caron Foundation and was discharged to
intensive outpatient treatment (I0P) at the Beachcomber, located in Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida.
25.

While participating in IOP, Dr. Bedoya's toxicology testing returned

positive for phentermine' two times.
26.

Dr. Bedoya was again referred to residential treatment services at

Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, which he entered on or
about December 4, 2017, and was discharged on or about January 9, 2018,
for lack of payment.
27.

Dr. Bedoya's diagnoses upon discharge from Pine Grove were as

Phentermine is a stimulant commonly prescribed to assist with weight loss. According to Section 893.03(4),
Florida Statutes (2017), phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance that has a low potential for abuse
relative to the substances in Schedule III and has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United
States. Abuse of phentermine may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence relative to the
substances in Schedule III
7

Page 6 of 13

 In Re:

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

follows:
a. other specified impulse control disorder with compulsive sexual
behavior;
b. unspecified stimulant related disorder;
c. alcohol use disorder, partial remission;
d. cocaine and cannabis use disorder, sustained full remission; and
e. bipolar disorder, in full remission, most recent episodes
depressed.
28.

Upon his discharge, Pine Grove opined that Dr. Bedoya was not

recommended to return to practice, and that only after his completion of
treatment could his safe return to practice be determined. Pine Grove opined
that Dr. Bedoya's safe return to patient care would require an outline detailing
a return to work plan with restrictions and accountability.
29.

On or about February 5, 2018, PRN received toxicology testing

results from Dr. Bedoya's urine submitted on or about January 18, 2018 which
was positive for phentermine.
30.

As a result of the positive test, in addition to Dr. Bedoya's lengthy

history of positive toxicology tests and other material non-compliance issues,

Page 7 of 13

 In Re:

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

PRN terminated Dr. Bedoya's contract, for failure to comply with the terms of
his contract without good cause.
31. In the course of their practice, doctors must possess good
judgment, be able to recognize abnormal signs or symptoms of patients, and
provide emergency care when needed. Dr. Bedoya's refusal to stop consuming
cocaine, phentermine, and alcohol, even while undergoing treatment and
monitoring by PRN, and even after being withdrawn from practice on numerous
occasions and given numerous chances to remain compliant with PRN, in
addition to Dr. Bedoya's discharge diagnoses of other specified impulse control
disorder with compulsive sexual behavior, unspecified stimulant related
disorder, alcohol use disorder, partial remission, cocaine and cannabis use
disorder, sustained full remission, and bipolar disorder, in full remission, most
recent episodes depressed, and his criminal acts of lewd and lakivious acts
with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor are all indicators
that Dr. Bedoya's continued unrestricted practice of medicine presents an
immediate, serious danger to the health, welfare, and safety of the public. Due
to Dr. Bedoya's inability to refrain from the use of cocaine, phentermine, and
alcohol, despite PRN's numerous attempts to help him do so, his failure to

Page 8 of 13

 In Re:

The Emergency Restriction of the license of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

complete treatment as recommended by PRN and Pine Grove, his terminated
from PRN, and his criminal acts involving minors, the danger to the public is
likely to continue.
32. Dr. Bedoya was unsuccessfully discharged from treatment, with a
discharge summary that found he was not safe to return to practice as a
physician, due to his untreated other specified impulse control disorder with
compulsive sexual behavior, unspecified stimulant related disorder, alcohol use
disorder, partial remission, cocaine and cannabis use disorder, sustained full
remission, and bipolar disorder, in full remission, most recent episodes
depressed. Despite numerous attempts to assist Dr. Bedoya with his substance
use disorders, PRN was ultimately unable to assist Dr. Bedoya and was forced
to terminate his contract. Dr. Bedoya has been provided numerous
opportunities to take advantage of the help provided by PRN, but has proven
that he is unable to refrain from using drugs and alcohol and that he will not
complete the necessary treatment for his substance abuse and sexual
compulsion disorders, indicating that this behavior will continue. Based on the
above, there are no less-restrictive means than the terms outlined in this Order
that will adequately protect the public.

Page 9 of 13

 In Re:

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact, the State Surgeon General
concludes as follows:
1.

The State Surgeon General has jurisdiction over this matter

pursuant to Sections 20.43, 456.073(8), Florida Statutes (2017), and Chapter
458, Florida Statutes (2017).
2.

Section 458.331(1)(s), Florida Statutes (2017), subjects a physician

to discipline, including restriction, for "being unable to practice medicine with
reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or use of alcohol,
drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material or as a result of any
mental or physical condition."
3.

Dr. Bedoya violated Section 458.331(1)(s), Florida Statutes (2016-

2017), by being unable to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety
due to one or more of the following:
a. other specified impulse control disorder with compulsive sexual
behavior;
b. unspecified stimulant related disorder;
c. alcohol use disorder, partial remission;

Page 10 of 13

 In Re:

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

d. cocaine and cannabis use disorder, sustained full remission; and
e. bipolar disorder, in full remission, most recent episodes
depressed.
4.

Section 120.60(6), Florida Statutes (2017), authorizes the State

Surgeon General to restrict a physician's license if the Department finds that
the physician presents an immediate, serious danger to the public health,
safety, or welfare.
5.

Dr. Bedoya's continued unrestricted practice of medicine

constitutes an immediate, serious danger to the health, safety, and welfare of
the public, and this summary procedure is fair under the circumstances to
adequately protect the public.
WHEREFORE, in accordance with Section 120.60(6), Florida Statutes
(2017), it is ORDERED THAT:
1.

The license of Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D., license number ME

39435, is hereby immediately restricted to prohibit him from practicing
medicine until PRN, or a PRN-approved evaluator, notifies the Department that
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D., is safe to resume practice as a medical doctor.

Page 11 of 13

 In Re:

2.

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

A proceeding seeking formal discipline of the license of Ricardo

Alfredo Bedoya, M.D., to practice medicine will be promptly instituted and acted
upon in compliance with Sections 120.569 and 120.60(6), Florida Statutes
(2017).
DONE and ORDERED this

I

day of

41

fel/Celeste Phi ip, M.D., M.P.H.
Surgeon General and Secretary

PREPARED BY:
Lindsey H. Frost, Esq.
Florida Bar No. 109766
Assistant General Counsel
Prosecution Services Unit
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-65
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3265
(P) (850) 558-9841
(F) (850) 245-4662
(E) lindsey.frost©flheath.gov

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, 2018.

 In Re:

The Emergency Restriction of the License of
Ricardo Alfredo Bedoya, M.D.
License Number ME 39435
Case Number 2018-01608

NOTICE OF RIGHT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW
Pursuant to Sections 120.60(6) and 120.68, Florida Statutes (2017), this
Order is judicially reviewable. Review proceedings are governed by the Florida
Rules of Appellate Procedure. Proceedings are commenced by filing a Petition
for Review, in accordance with Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.100, with
the District Court of Appeal, accompanied by a filing fee prescribed by law, and
a copy of the Petition with the Agency Clerk of the Department within 30 days
of the date this Order is filed.

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