Sanford physician surrenders medical license

AUGUSTA — Dr. David R. Austin agreed to surrender his medical license in a consent agreement signed Tuesday with the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine.

Austin was summarily suspended by the board on April 14 after its members determined that he presented an imminent danger to patients, according to a state news release.

Austin’s most recent medical practice was in Sanford.

In April, the board received information that Austin had declined to obtain a recommended evaluation following his termination from recent employment due to an alcohol-related event. Austin had undergone a previous evaluation in 2014, following an OUI charge, that concluded he did not pose a risk to patient care.

Austin neither admitted nor denied the facts, but agreed that, if the case went to a hearing, the board could fine sufficient evidence to impose discipline based on habitual substance abuse, according to the release.

Austin may apply for reinstatement of his license, but would be required to demonstrate that his practice of medicine would not pose a risk to the public.

The board is made up of six physicians, three members of the public and a physician assistant appointed by the governor.