NASHVILLE (AP) - A published report says a Middle Tennessee doctor accused of infractions similar to those of U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais has received a more severe punishment.
The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/1GzdLKE) reports the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners revoked the license of Murfreesboro physician Brad Blankenship and fined him $5,000 for having a fling with one patient.
In comparison, DesJarlais received a reprimand and a $500 fine for a sexual relationship with two patients.
The Tennessean made inquiries with the Board of Medical Examiners and DesJarlais' office about the disparity, but did not receive a response.
According to the newspaper, it wasn't clear in the case of DesJarlais whether the doctor-patient relationship had been severed before the romantic relationships began.
The order against Blankenship says he continued to treat the woman during a romantic relationship.