Initially rejecting a settlement with a $1,500 fine, the Board of Medicine agreed to final deal in which Vazquez will present a one-hour lecture on wrong-site surgery to the entire medical staff of a hospital where he works, in addition to paying the $3,000 fine. He also is required to complete three hours of medical education on preoperative evaluation of surgical patients and pay $4,800 in costs.

Following an investigation, the Board of Medicine cleared Pacheco’s primary surgeons, Dr. John Britt and Dr. Jeffrey Kugler, from facing disciplinary action in the case. The malpractice insurers for both agreed to a settlement of $250,000 each, according to the state Office of Insurance Regulation.


Vazquez, who does not hold malpractice insurance, paid a nominal amount, according to his attorneys.

He informed the Florida Board in December 2018 that he has made it a priority to read over all films of a patient and will only work with a select number of orthopedic surgeons. He holds no prior discipline, according to the Health Department.

Pacheco is able to function with one kidney but is now more susceptible to renal failure and kidney disease, according to Ward.

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