DOCTOR CAN NO LONGER PRESCRIBE

WEST - PALM BEACH -- A Port St. Lucie neurologist was barred from
prescribing controlled substances after two of his patients died and a
third overdosed, state health officials said.

Bruce E. Platzek, 60, still faces a full hearing before the state
Board of Medicine, but he has not practiced since May and no longer
has privileges at area hospitals.

"He has demonstrated a willingness to excessively and inappropriately
prescribe dangerous and addictive controlled substances with dire
consequences to his patients," said Masheika Allen, assistant general
counsel for the Department of Health.

Platzek declined to comment Friday when reached by The Palm Beach
Post. His phone number wasn't in service when The Associated Press
called Saturday.

Platzek was arrested last month on a misdemeanor disorderly conduct
charge after a patient complained that he went to her Stuart business,
pulled down her pants and spanked her with a leather paddle after
offering a book on bondage and sadomasochism, according to Martin
County sheriff's records.

Sheriff's Detective Maggie Flynn said she notified the state licensing
board, but was told investigators couldn't do much if the alleged
crime happened outside Platzek's office.