Chariton doctor accused of improperly prescribing drugs

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A southern Iowa doctor is accused of carelessly prescribing painkilling and weight-loss drugs to patients when practicing in Illinois several years ago.

The Iowa medical licensing board alleges David Marcowitz prescribed multiple addictive drugs to a patient from 2008 to 2011 while working in Moline, Illinois.

The panel also says Illinois authorities claim Marcowitz provided a weight-loss drug to his office staff without examining them or keeping medical records.

Illinois records show Marcowitz agreed in January to have his Illinois license temporarily suspended and then put on permanent inactive status.

He now works at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa. A message seeking comment from Marcowitz was left by The Des Moines Register (http://dmreg.co/1DBf1we ).

An April hearing is set for Marcowitz, who could face penalties from Iowa regulators.

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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com