HELENA, Mont. (AP) - The state Board of Medical Examiners said Friday it is investigating a psychiatrist who joined the staff of a children's hospital here after his medical license was suspended in Illinois.
Dr. Bennett Braun began working at the hospital about seven months after his license was suspended in October 1999 amid allegations he used drugs and hypnosis to convince an Illinois patient she killed scores of people in satanic rituals.
The investigation will determine whether Braun has practiced medicine without a license at Shodair Children's Hospital, said Charlene Norris, legal counsel for the board.
The state learned of his suspension in Illinois from an Associated Press story last month.
Former Shodair employees have claimed that Braun had an active role in treating patients and gave advice on diagnosis and treatment. Braun and hospital administrator Jack Casey have denied those claims.
But in a meeting earlier this week with officials from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Braun acknowledged he offered opinions to staff on treatment and drug therapies, gave advice on dealing with disruptive patients and fielded complaints from patients.
He said Friday that he gave advice only when asked, and had only casual conversations with patients, not therapy sessions.
In Illinois, Braun was sued by a patient who claimed Braun used drugs and hypnosis to convince her she possessed 300 personalities, ate meatloaf made of human flesh and was a high priestess in a satanic cult.
The lawsuit, which also named another psychiatrist and the hospital, was settled for $10.7 million. Braun maintained the allegations are false.
AP-NY-08-03-01 1916EDT
Copyright 2001 The Associated Press.