SOAP LAKE - A physician's assistant has surrendered his license to practice following a state Department of Health investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with patients and employees.

John Bearup, 65, gave up his license and waived a hearing on the charges, according to a press release issued by the DOH Tuesday. "(Bearup's) practice is closed and his patients have transferred care. Voluntary surrender will remove (Bearup) from practice," according to an agreed order issued by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission. Bearup had operated Soap Lake Family Medicine.

The complaint filed against Bearup in April alleged that he had acted inappropriately with three female patients who also worked at the clinic, and with two female patients who complained of inappropriate conduct during examinations.

The quality assurance commission found that Bearup had engaged in inappropriate conduct, primarily with the three women who were also employees, and that his examinations and documentation were substandard.

"Respondent (Bearup) and the Commission acknowledge that the evidence is sufficient to justify the findings," the agreed order said.

"The voluntary surrender is permanent. (Bearup) agrees not to resume the practice of medicine in Washington, including any temporary, emergency or volunteer practice, after the date of entry of this order." The order was signed Nov. 1.

The incidents allegedly occurred between August 2008 and June 2010. Bearup was accused of asking female patients to disrobe and not offering them an alternative covering, and asking them to remove all or part of their clothing during frequent examinations he said were necessary to check for skin lesions.

He also allegedly offered massages to two patients who had suffered injuries, asking them to remove part of all of their clothing, the complaint said. All of the alleged incidents occurred while there were no chaperones, family members or clinic employee in the room, the complaint said.