Libby Doctor’s License Suspended for Overprescribing

The state Board of Medical Examiners has indefinitely suspended a Libby physician's license after finding he overprescribed pain medication to a patient.

Another physician filed the complaint against Clyde Knecht in August after a former patient of Knecht's sought treatment for her hydrocodone addiction.

The board says the complaining physician searched the Montana Prescription Drug Registry and found that between March and August the woman was prescribed nearly 2,500 doses of hydrocodone-acetaminophen.

Knecht told regulators that he had tried to refer the patient for treatment of her narcotic addiction. He also argued that prescribing narcotics was preferable to a dependence on alcohol or street drugs.

Knecht has 20 days to request a hearing. He did not return a phone call seeking comment.