The Maine medical board has taken action against two Portland-area doctors who violated professional standards.

Dr. Lowell Gerber of Freeport had his medical license suspended for 30 days, effective July 7, after acknowledging that he had a sexual relationship with a female patient, according to the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. The panel also issued a letter of reprimand and placed Gerber on probation for five years.

As conditions of his probation, Gerber, who practices from an office in his home, must have an adult chaperone present when he treats or examines a female patient. Gerber also must notify the board of his practice locations, undergo a psychological evaluation, take an approved ethics and boundaries course, obtain a practice monitor and pay a $1,500 civil penalty.

In a separate action, the board suspended the license of Dr. John Girard of Westbrook, after receiving information indicating that he could no longer practice medicine safely and competently because of mental health conditions that resulted in his hospitalization. Girard will no longer be allowed to treat patients in Maine.

The medical board comprises six physicians, three members of the public and a physician assistant, appointed by the governor. It is charged with protecting the health and welfare of the public by verifying the qualifications of physicians to practice, and disciplining physicians for unprofessional conduct and incompetence.

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