O'Malley Ousts David Geier From Autism Commission

Appointee, who works at father's practice that offers controversial autism treatment, charged with practicing without a license

Gov. Martin O'Malley removed David A. Geier from Maryland's Commission on Autism on Friday, telling his one-time appointee in a letter that "you do not at the present time qualify to serve."

O'Malley told Geier, who has only a bachelor's degree, that he does not qualify under Maryland law to serve as a "diagnostician," the title he held on the advisory commission. The governor also cited charges brought against him this week by the Maryland Board of Physicians.

"I  regret that you were not willing to withdraw from the Commission and that this action is therefore necessary," the governor said.

The Maryland Board of Physicians charged Geier this week with practicing medicine without a license while working with his father, Dr. Mark Geier. The men operate a network of clinics, two of them in Maryland, where they treat children for autism using controversial Lupron therapy.

David Geier, through his attorneys, has said he works only in an "administrative" capacity in the clinics.

Attorney J. Steven Wise, said Friday he was unaware of the governor's action until contacted by a reporter. "David Geier denies the charges of the Board of Physicians, and we look forward to a full hearing on those charges," he said.

The board set a July 6 hearing date in the case.
More