A Decatur doctor accused of sexual misconduct has had his medical license suspended.

The Medical Licensure Commission of the State of Alabama suspended the license of Dr. Michael D. Dick on Thursday.

The suspension occurred less than 48 hours after charges were filed by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. Because of the suspension, Dick can no longer practice medicine, see patients or prescribe medications.

The charges filed by the ABME earlier this week contained allegations of sexual misconduct, including inappropriate physical contact with patients with no legitimate medical purpose, and three convictions for criminal offenses.

While the commission has a regularly scheduled meeting later this month, at the request of the ABME, the commission called an emergency meeting to consider the suspension.

“We are thankful the Commission recognized the seriousness of the charges and the need to prohibit Dr. Dick’s ability to practice until an administrative hearing can be held,” said Wilson Hunter, general counsel of the ABME.

A formal hearing on the charges against Dr. Dick will be held in January. The case is being prosecuted on behalf of the ABME by Associate General Counsel Matt Hart.