JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local doctor could return to practice after being accused of using drugs, alcohol and even throwing parties in his office.
The Neptune Beach practice where Dr. Dale Fralicker once treated patients is closed, but that could soon change according to his attorney, Tad Delegal.
Action News first told you in October that the Department of Health pulled Fralicker's license to practice. According to an administrative complaint filed by the Department of Health, Fralicker admitted to a physician during an evaluation to having sex with patients, and was diagnosed with mood and anxiety disorders, as well as self-reported marijuana and alcohol abuse.
Earlier that year, Fralicker’s staff accused him of "manic" behavior and self-prescribing medication. They told authorities he was using profanity, calling patients late at night, holding parties at the office, and leaving behind alcohol.
Those are accusations Delegal maintains were false, and not upheld during a state investigation in recent months.
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“You looked at the various claims that were made about Dr. Fralicker, and the actual documents and the interviews did not support them. I think everyone jumped the gun on this case and it should have been handled more carefully.”
On Friday, the state Board of Medicine settled with Fralicker, and agreed to lift the emergency restriction, while he agreed to a psychiatric and medical evaluation.
“The Board of Medicine wants that done to just make sure that there are not problems with his return to practice,” said Delegal.
Fralicker could not be reached for comment Friday.
His license remains suspended until that evaluation takes place, and the timing is up to Fralicker. According to the settlement, the Board will have final say.
Dr. Dale Fralicker obtained his license to practice medicine in Florida 1982.