Ken Paxton Seeks to Void Reprimand for Houston Doctor Mary Bowden

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a petition Thursday to intervene in a lawsuit brought by a Houston doctor against the Texas Medical Board, seeking to overturn a public reprimand issued last year. Dr. Mary Talley Bowden was reprimanded by the board in October 2021 for prescribing ivermectin to a COVID-19 patient at a Fort Worth hospital where she lacked admitting privileges.

The intervention marks the latest instance of Paxton challenging a state agency he is tasked with defending, according to reports. Paxton, in a news release, stated he would “not stand by as Dr. Bowden has her Constitutional rights trampled and ability to serve her patients impeded with an illegal reprimand.” He characterized Bowden as a “champion for health freedom” and asserted the need to prevent administrative agencies from violating the rights of licensed professionals.

The Texas Medical Board initially reprimanded Bowden after receiving complaints regarding her treatment of a patient with ivermectin, a drug not authorized for use against COVID-19. Bowden subsequently appealed the board’s decision, but the board upheld its original ruling in December. She then filed a lawsuit against the board, seeking to have the reprimand overturned. Paxton’s petition seeks to support Bowden’s case.

Paxton’s filing accuses the medical board of issuing the reprimand without consulting medical expert testimony. The board is comprised of 19 members, including 12 physicians and seven public members, all appointed by Governor Greg Abbott.

Dr. Bowden expressed her satisfaction with Paxton’s support, stating, “It’s been a four and a half year fight,” and expressing hope for a resolution, not only for herself but also for patients. The Texas Medical Board and its President, Dr. Sherif Zaafran, have not yet issued a public comment regarding Paxton’s intervention.

The lawsuit remains pending in Travis County court, with no immediate hearing date scheduled.