BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An osteopathic physician and surgeon in Whatcom County has agreed to voluntarily surrender his license.

Gregory Sharp practiced pain management at an office in Bellingham. The state Department of Health (DOH) restricted Sharp’s license in August after charging that his treatment fell beneath the standard of care.

According to a statement of charges from the DOH, Sharp allegedly prescribed opioids to patients while ignoring several risk factors for substance abuse. As a result of his accused negligence, several of his patients were injured. DOH guidelines state that specialists such as Sharp must carefully assess patients for any risk factors involving controlled substances for pain.

Sharp has agreed to never resume the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery in the state.