Dr. James O. Steele, a physician who previously practiced in Fort Dodge, has been disciplined by the Iowa Board of Medicine for failing to provide “appropriate pain management to multiple patients,” according to a statement released by the board Tuesday.

According to the board’s release, the care determined to be unsatisfactory took place in Fort Dodge in 2009 and 2010.

On March 6, Steele entered into a combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement with the board. He has been ordered to pay a $5,000 civil penalty. The board has prohibited Steele from “prescribing, administering or dispensing controlled substances for the treatment of chronic pain.” He is being required to complete a board-approved professional ethics program.

Steele has been placed on probation by the board for five years. During that time he is subject to monitoring, which could include prescribing audits.

Federal law requires that the Iowa Board of Medicine report its action to the National Practitioner Data Bank.

According to articles previously published in The Messenger, Steele joined the staff of the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge in 2009. He became a full-time staff member in 2010. He also served as medical director of the Health Center.

According to Troy Martens, chief executive officer of Fort Dodge’s Trinity Regional Medical Center, Steele was affiliated with Trimark Physicians Group and on the staff of Trinity Regional Medical Center from July 2000 until February 2003.

Steele graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1980. He is board certified in family medicine.

The Iowa Board of Medicine was established by the Legislature in 1886. It issues physician licenses and regulates the practice of medicine in the Hawkeye State. The board is an executive branch agency within the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The board has 10 members. Seven are practicing physicians – five M.D.s, and two D.O.s. Three are members of the public. Board members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate for a three-year term or to complete an unexpired term when a vacancy occurs. Board members may serve up to nine years.