CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Rufus Lowman, the disgraced former physician assistant whose medical license was permanently revoked in September 2024, has filed a legal brief arguing that the Ohio Medical Board’s decision was fundamentally flawed and should be overturned.
Lowman, who has been a polarizing figure in the community due to his controversial medical practices and troubling allegations, is seeking reinstatement of his license through an appeal filed in Ross County Common Pleas Court. In the newly submitted brief, Lowman’s attorney, Ben Partee, lays out the case for why the court should vacate the board’s ruling, arguing that the state failed to meet its burden of proof and misapplied Ohio law.
Lowman’s Argument for Reinstatement
At the heart of Lowman’s appeal is his assertion that the Ohio Medical Board incorrectly determined he was prescribing Schedule II controlled substances outside his legal authority. According to Lowman’s filing, the state failed to consider a key legal exemption that permits physician assistants to prescribe such medications under specific conditions.
Lowman argues that his clinic was primarily structured to provide outpatient services for mental health and substance use disorders—criteria that, under Ohio law, could exempt his prescribing practices from the state’s restrictions. However, the hearing examiner rejected this defense, stating that Lowman bore the burden of proving his eligibility for such an exemption.
His attorney contends this was an incorrect legal interpretation, arguing that the state, not Lowman, was responsible for proving that he acted outside the scope of his authority. The brief claims the board unfairly shifted the burden of proof onto Lowman, ultimately leading to an erroneous decision.
“The Board’s order must be supported by reliable, probative, and substantial evidence,” the appeal states. “In this case, the evidence at trial does not support the Board’s final decision, as the State did not show that Appellant violated the statutes alleged.”
A History of Scandal and Legal Troubles
While Lowman’s appeal focuses on legal technicalities regarding his prescribing practices, the former PA’s medical career has been marred by a series of scandals that have left many in the community concerned of his efforts to return to practice.
The Ohio Medical Board revoked his license after determining he improperly prescribed highly addictive medications to at least 11 patients without proper physician oversight. That decision followed a previous suspension in May 2024, when the board cited concerns that his actions posed an “immediate and serious harm” to public health.
Beyond his professional misconduct, Lowman has also faced disturbing allegations unrelated to his medical practice. A woman has accused him of sexually abusing her as a child, a claim allegedly backed by an audio recording, first released to the public by the Guardian. While local law enforcement has yet to bring criminal charges, a Florida sheriff’s office has launched a criminal investigation into the sexual abuse allegations that occurred in their jurisdiction.
Additionally, former patients’ families have accused Lowman of malpractice, with claims that his prescribing practices contributed to patient deaths. He has also been the subject of allegations related to insurance fraud, HIPAA violations, and fostering an unsafe work environment.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
News of Lowman’s appeal has reignited outrage among those who have followed his case closely. Many believe his attempt to regain his license is a desperate move to avoid accountability for years of misconduct.
“Even if his technical arguments had merit, it doesn’t change the fact that his actions were reckless and dangerous,” said one former patient’s family member, who asked to remain anonymous. “The medical board made the right call. He should never practice again.”
Lowman’s legal fight is far from over. The Ross County Common Pleas Court will now review his arguments and determine whether to uphold the medical board’s decision or send the case back for further consideration.
As the case moves forward, one question looms large—whether Lowman’s legal maneuvering will be enough to erase the past or if his long history of controversy will ultimately keep him out of the medical field for good.