A Coalinga, CA, dentist whose developmentally disabled son died after the dentist gave him Valium and morphine before treating an abscessed tooth has been ordered to stand trial by a Fresno County Superior Court judge.
Earlier this year, a coroner's report concluded that Patrick Clare, 35, died last year from the sedatives that his father, Allen Clare, DDS, administered. Dr. Clare was charged with unlawfully practicing dentistry because he was not licensed to deliver or possess the drugs. Even though Dr. Clare admitted to causing his son's death, in June prosecutors decided that a murder charge was inappropriate and filed less severe charges. He was expected to get probation.
But on September 21, Judge Jon Nick Kapetan decided that Dr. Clare should have a preliminary hearing that could determine whether he goes to prison, according to a story in the Fresno Bee.
The coroner's report showed 575 ng of morphine in Patrick Clare's blood. While the high morphine level is not necessarily lethal, 200 ng is considered toxic, the Bee reported.
"How can a dentist who has been practicing for 40 years" administer such a level of morphine? the judge asked. "I feel this should be litigated."
A hearing is set for October 4.
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