Iowa Board of Medicine Defends Suspension of Physician Assistant's License Amidst Sexual Assault Allegations

Strategic Insights -

The Iowa Board of Medicine has come under scrutiny for its decision to suspend the license of a physician assistant, James Haag, facing multiple criminal charges alleging he sexually assaulted female patients. Haag had been practicing occupational medicine at MercyOne's Bluebell Road Family Medicine in Cedar Falls when the allegations surfaced. The board alleged that Haag's "predatory actions towards his patients (that) constitute a threat to public health." A three-year suspension was imposed, citing Haag's alleged misconduct as a threat to public health, safety, and welfare.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iowa Board of Medicine suspended the license of physician assistant James Haag, citing "predatory actions" towards patients that threaten public health.
  • Haag is facing multiple criminal charges, including two counts of third-degree sexual abuse, two counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, and three counts of simple assault.
  • The board alleged Haag inappropriately touched four of his patients in a sexual manner, despite Haag's claims that the board "ignored the facts" presented at his disciplinary hearing.
  • Haag's attorney alleged the board "fabricated testimony" to discount evidence supporting Haag's innocence.
  • The board asserted that even if all factual discrepancies were settled in Haag's favor, "his misconduct would still have been substantiated, and his license would still be suspended for three years."
  • Testimony indicated Haag performed job-related physicals for individuals who worked at a local business, removing patients' robes and making physical contact with them, including using his hands or pressing his pelvic area into their genitals.

Statistics:

  • 4 patients allegedly inappropriately touched by Haag
  • 2 counts of third-degree sexual abuse
  • 2 counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse
  • 3 counts of simple assault against Haag
  • 3-year suspension of Haag's license recommended by the board
  • Haag's trial is scheduled for April 28, 2026

Sources:

  • "Board Alleges Physician Assistant Sexually Assaulted Multiple Patients" - iowacapitaldispatch.com (2025)
  • "Board Suspends License of Physician Assistant Charged with Sexual Assault" - iowacapitaldispatch.com (2025)
  • "Subcribe to Morning Headlines" - iowacapitaldispatch.com