Fort Worth doctor, Arthur Nilon Tallant, was honored by the Texas Legislature as the “doctor of the day” in April 2006, and again in January 2007. Dr. Tallant plead guilty to 19 counts of “sexual performance by a child” in Hays County in 1997. Dr. Tallant was 64 at the time, and his victim was a 17 year old patient. Dr. Tallant’s medical license was revoked that same year due to both his felony conviction and alcohol abuse, but was reinstated just four years later in 2001.
The Texas Medical Board relies only on an “honor system” of physician self-reporting for criminal convictions. Of course, (surprise, surprise) criminals aren’t too motivated by “honor” and therefore, may not report their own criminal conviction. This was certainly the case with Dr. Tallant, for whom the Texas Medical Board continues to report no convictions. Given the Texas Medical Board’s complete lack of effort in maintaining accurate information regarding the criminal history of Texas doctors, it’s not surprising that the Texas legislature was unaware of Dr.Tallant’s history as a sex offender when it first honored him in April 2006.
Representatives Jerry Madden and Phil King found out about Dr. Tallant’s felony conviction shortly after the April 2006 honors were bestowed and informed the House speakers office. Nonetheless, the House of Representatives proceeded to honor Dr. Tallant again in January 2007. We are running the risk that Texas is becoming a safe haven for bad doctors.” — This was the response of Alex Winslow, who is the executive director for Texas Watch. Texas Watch is a non-profit, non-partisan consumer protection group dedicated to advocating the rights of families in Texas. You can also view the CBS news report, which includes interviews of Texas lawmakers and an attempted interview of Dr. Tallan.
