Doctor Hedrick agrees to have his license suspended

INDIANAPOLIS (WANE) A Fort Wayne physician under investigation by the Indiana Attorney General's Office has agreed to have his license temporarily suspended.  Dr. William Hedrick agreed to the suspension during a hearing before the Indiana State Medical Licensing Board on Thursday.

The Attorney General's Office filed a petition Monday to have Hedrick's license  suspended. The action was taken after concerns arose over what the Attorney General's Office considers to be an unusually high use of pain killer prescriptions and unsafe drug mixing practices by Hedrick who founded the Centers for Pain Relief (also called Inquest Health Systems).

The following statement was issued to NewsChannel 15 by Hedrick's attorney, Stacy Cook:  

While we deny the allegations, we taken them very seriously.  To reassure his patients and the communities he serves, we voluntarily agreed to a short and temporary suspension until next month on January 24th to allow us time to present all the facts necessary to satisfy the Medical Licensing Board regarding his practice.  We have already started working cooperatively with the Attorney General's Office to resolve their concerns.  

Dr. Hedrick is committed to his patients and the continuity of their care.  He has already made arrangements for his patients to be treated by other qualified physicians in his practice. Patients may call his office for assistance.

The Attorney General's Office is working on a formal licensing complain. Once the complaint is filed, the board has the authority to determine if any disciplinary action should be taken.

The board meets next on Jan. 24.