Medical Board says doctor was drunk, had dozens of pills in car while going 100 mph

AUSTIN - From Texas Medical Board - On July 30, 2010, a panel of the Texas Medical Board suspended the license of Felix Nabor Sabates Jr., M.D., of Baytown, Lic. No. J2773, after determining that Dr. Sabates' continuation in the practice of medicine presents a continuing threat to public health and safety.

The Temporary Suspension Hearing Without Notice took place under the Board's authority, granted by the Medical Practice Act, to suspend or restrict a physician's license without notice when it determines the physician's continuation in practice would constitute a continuing threat to the public welfare and the physician has the opportunity to have a Temporary Suspension Hearing With Notice at least 10 days after notice of the suspension just taken. The suspension is effective immediately.

The action was based on the following findings: On July 16, 2010, a Montgomery County law enforcement officer stopped Dr. Sabates after observing Dr. Sabates driving erratically and at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Dr. Sabates, dressed in scrubs, stated he was on his way to a hospital to see a patient.

The law officer observed Dr. Sabates' speech was slow and confused, and that his eyes were bloodshot with small pupils. Dr. Sabates failed a field sobriety test and refused a breathalyzer test.

A search of Dr. Sabates' car yielded approximately 80 morphine tablets, 60 Adderall tablets, 80 hydrocodone tablets and 60 unmarked capsules containing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine. Dr. Sabates had no prescriptions or other documentation providing evidence of where the morphine, Adderall or hydrocodone tablets had originated or were destined.

Dr. Sabates was arrested and charged with four felony counts of possession of controlled substances; two misdemeanor counts of DWI; and reckless driving. He posted a $70,000 bond and was released.

Dr. Sabates has a history of substance abuse and mental illness. In 1994, the Board entered a five year order based on findings that Dr. Sabates had attempted suicide in 1992 and had abused alcohol and cocaine.

The length of a temporary suspension is indefinite and it remains in effect until the Board takes further action.