Hearing panel outlines probation terms for Doctor Helms and schedules follow-up testimony

A hearing panel discussed disciplinary options for a clinician identified in the record as Doctor Helms and set follow-up hearing dates on Feb. 3 and contingency days later in February.

An unidentified panel speaker said they emailed Doctor Helms on Feb. 7, 2024, explaining three options: accept a consent order that would place her license on probation with conditions including random urine drug testing, periodic therapy reports, employer reporting and a prohibition on solo practice; request a formal hearing before the dental commission; or voluntarily surrender the license. "She could agree to a consent order where her license would be on probation, and there would be terms that would include random urine drug tests and therapy reports and employer reports, and no solo practice," the speaker said.

The panel then turned to scheduling. After exchanging availability, members agreed to block Feb. 3 for testimony beginning at 11:00 a.m., with the session expected to run into the afternoon and a goal of avoiding lunch interruptions during cross-examination. The panel also identified additional backup days later in the month in case further testimony was needed and said a notice would be sent to participants.

A brief factual disagreement arose when one participant said records showed a license had expired last December. The clinician who spoke up in response disputed that characterization, stating the license had been renewed and was active. "My license is definitely active," that speaker said; the panel member who had cited older records accepted that the information appeared to be outdated after others checked the files.

Logistics were addressed before adjournment. One panel member said transcripts of the session would be provided to the parties, and the panel voted to adjourn. The panel thanked attorney Brooklyn Goldstein for her assistance during the proceeding.

The panel’s next scheduled session is Feb. 3, 11:00 a.m.; if more time is needed the panel has tentatively reserved additional dates later in February, and parties were told they would receive formal notices.