A Lexington internal medicine doctor who surrendered his Kentucky medical license in 2006 has been granted permission to begin practicing again, according to documents from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure.

Dr. Kelly D. Watson was investigated because he had sexual intercourse with a patient during an office visit at Bluegrass Medical Associates in October 2000. The unidentified patient filed a grievance with the Board of Medical Licensure. Watson told the board that they had consensual intercourse.

A second patient reported that the doctor attempted to touch her sexually during office visits, but Watson denied any improper contact with that patient.

The Board of Medical Licensure has reinstated Watson and agreed to permit him to practice at St. Joseph Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital East and in the continuing care hospitals within both those facilities.

Documents indicate that he will remain on probation until 2014 and will be subject to several restrictions, including having a chaperone present any time he is treating a female patient.