Conrad Murray sues Texas for stripping his right to practice medicine

Conrad Murray, who was convicted in the death of Michael Jackson, is suing the state of Texas for stripping his right to practice medicine.

Conrad Murray’s attorney said Thursday that the cardiologist has former patients eager for him to work again.

The doctor, who was released from a California jail this week after serving less than two years for involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson’s death, accuses the Texas Medical Board of prematurely revoking his license.

Conrad Murray claims in his lawsuit filed in Austin that his 2011 conviction isn’t final in California until his appeals are exhausted.

He states in an affidavit that he’s more than $400,000 in debt and can’t afford to pay court costs.

“Anybody who wants to work in this country ought to be able to have the right to do so. Dr. Murray is like everyone else, in that he needs to be able to do his line of work,” said Charles Peckham, Conrad Murray’s attorney.

Texas Medical Board spokesman Jarrett Schneider said the agency cannot comment on pending litigation.

Conrad Murray was convicted of causing Michael Jackson’s death in June 2009 by providing him with the powerful anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid. Michael Jackson was in the midst of preparations for a series of comeback concerts and Conrad Murray was serving as his physician.

The doctor filed the lawsuit Friday, three days before he was freed after serving half of a maximum four-year sentence.

Conrad Murray previously maintained clinics in Houston and Las Vegas. His medical license is currently suspended in California.

In court papers filed in Texas, Conrad Murray expresses concern that the revocation of his Texas license could give California reason to take the same action.