Although neurosurgeon John Schneider, MD, had his medical license revoked in 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Iowa City hired him illegally, according to a USA Today investigation.
Here are five insights:
1. After receiving four malpractice complaints at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Mont., from 1997 to 2006, Dr. Schneider left the hospital. The neurosurgeon also settled various other malpractice claims throughout his time at the hospital.
2. Dr. Schneider then became licensed in the state of Wyoming and began practicing at hospitals across the state. During this time, he collected eight more malpractice complaints. Following a patient death in 2012, Wyoming revoked his medical license.
3. Soon after, Dr. Schneider applied at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Iowa City, where he identified that he had his license revoked and various malpractice complaints.
4. Federal laws prohibit the VA from hiring physicians who have had their license revoked by a state board, even if the physician still holds a license in another state. In Dr. Schneider's case, he still holds an active license in Montana.
5. The USA Today investigation found 15 malpractice complaints, of which four were settled and two were dropped by plaintiffs. Six others were declared valid after Dr. Schneider filed bankruptcy. The other three malpractice complaints were dropped.