After 5 year suspension, Gilford psychiatrist may reapply for medical license

CONCORD — A Gilford psychiatrist may reapply for his medical license after agreeing to a five-year suspension that is retroactive to February 2009 when he voluntarily surrendered the license.

According to a settlement agreement made public yesterday by the state Board of Medicine, Gregory Bahder can ask for his license back provided he provides proof of 18 months of psychotherapy and is favorably recommended by his treating physician. In addition, he must complete a professional boundaries education class, and that agrees to a 10-year contract with the N.H. Professionals Health Program that will allow them to randomly test him for drugs and/or alcohol for at least the first 12 months of the contract.

Bahder voluntarily surrendered his license in February 2009 after he engaged in sexual activity with a female patient following her treatment for cocaine dependency while she was incarcerated at the Belknap County House of Correction.

He agrees that if a disciplinary matter were held, the evidence supporting professional misconduct would include that he had four sessions with the female inmate in late 2007 and into early 2008 and that before her release the two exchanged personal phone numbers.

Bahder also agreed that the evidence would support that in June 2008 and in November 2008 he met with his former patient in Manchester and engaged in sex with her in exchange for money. During the November get-together, the two purchased crack cocaine and smoked it together in a motel room.

Should Bahder's license be reinstated, he must submit four semi-annual progress reports, continue treatment with his own physicians and psychotherapist, and provide a copy of the settlement agreement to any current or potential employer for two years after he gets his license back.

He also agrees that for as long as he practices in New Hampshire he will be associated with a practice that has no less than three other licensed physicians.

In 2010, a jury in the Hillsborough County Superior Court acquitted him of four counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault after his arrest in Bedford in 2009.

It is unlawful in New Hampshire for a doctor to have a sexual relationship with a patient within a year of the time treatment ends.

In all the above matters, Bahder was represented by Atty. Mark Sisti.