Dope Smok’n Largo Psych in Trouble with the Department of Health

Dope Smok’n Largo Psych in Trouble with the Department of Health

Sep 20th, 2011 | By admin | Category: Drug Use, Joel Voss

Largo Psychiatrist
Ronald Lee Knaus

Psych News
By Joel Voss

Largo, Florida psychiatrist Ronald Knaus was arrested on July 2, 2010 in nearby Clearwater for possession of marijuana. The police initially approached him due to a handgun in his waistband, per the police report. He pleaded no-contest in open court and was sentenced.

But the story does not end there. In Florida, all licensed health care professionals must report any and all criminal cases against them to the Florida Department of Health within 30 days unless they are acquitted or the charges are dismissed. Also, all physicians must update their profile on the department’s website to reflect any criminals convictions.

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights, Tampa, Florida Chapter found out about Knaus’s case and reported it to the department.

Earlier this month the Florida Department of Health filed their own administrative complaint against him, charging Knaus with withholding his drug case and not updating his online profile on their website. They are seeking discipline ranging from fines to revocation of his license.

In March 2008 a mother attacked her 15 year old son with a dagger and drywall knife at Kanus’ clinic at 1301 Seminole Blvd, Bldg B, Suite 112 in Largo.
The boy survived but was hospitalized. Knaus’ clinic was hired to provide a safe & supervised visitation of the mother and son. The boy’s father filed a lawsuit that is ongoing at this time.

Knaus was reported to be one of the Kings of the Baker Act, the Florida law governing involuntary commitment. It was reported in 1995 by the St Petersburg Times that Knaus was one of 3 psychiatrists in Pinellas County, Florida that accounted for half of the all involuntary commitments to mental hospitals in the county. Knaus committed people to a hospital that he was an investor in, the report stated.