Washington County rehires doctor after being sued for giving inmates the improper medications

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Washington County Quorum Court concluded on Thursday that Dr. Robert Karas will continue to offer medical care at the Washington County Detention Center.

In January 2022, four prisoners sued Karas, the jail, and the sheriff in federal court, alleging that they were unwittingly given the anti-parasitic medication ivermectin to treat their COVID-19.

Every inmate signs a general permission form either when they are checked into the jail or when they receive their medication for the first time, according to Karas’ testimony to the state medical board in April.

Lester stated that the quorum court thought Karas had done a fantastic job and that they were delighted that no one of their inmates had perished from COVID-19.

In a statement, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, which is supporting the action against Karas, criticized the quorum court for its negligence.

“It’s a shame Washington County would retain any doctor who so severely violated informed medical consent,” said Executive Director Holly Dickson.

Of the three bidders who competed to offer medical services to the prison facility, Karas was the lowest.