Amarillo Medical Practitioner Suspended by a State Board

An Amarillo medical practitioner has had his practitioner permit suspended by a board associated with the Texas Medical Board.

Michael L. Payne, RCP, was temporarily suspended by the Texas Board of Respiratory Care in a ruling made on October 29, 2020. Payne holds a respiratory care practitioner permit. The board determined that his continuation in the practice of respiratory care poses a continuing threat to public welfare. The suspension was made effective immediately.

According to the Texas Medical Board, the panel found that Mr. Payne was terminated by his employer following positive breathalyzer results. The breathalyzer tests were conducted Payne arrived for work appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Texas Medical Board notes that a temporary suspension hearing with notice will be held as soon as practicable, with 10 days notice to Mr. Payne, unless he waives the hearing. The temporary suspension will remain in place until the board takes additional action.