Ark. doctor's office shut down, 1 arrested (UALR Public Radio) -

A Lake Village doctor's office has been shut down and a staff member arrested on narcotics charges.

Authorities say Dr. Shirlene Hill of Chicot Family Practice surrendered her medical license under an emergency suspension order, and employee Sally Britt Powell was arrested on two counts of prescription fraud and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. A judge set Powell's bail at $15,000.

Authorities say that even after the office was shut down, they found Powell outside in her car with altered prescription pads, more than $2,000 in cash and bottles of amphetamine, Demerol and hydrocodone.

The Arkansas State Medical Board issued the emergency order this week, amid allegations that Hill overprescribed narcotics or allowed unauthorized people to distribute or prescribe medications. The board is to hold a hearing on the allegations.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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