A locally popular Elgin doctor should know today whether he'll have a chance to get his medical license back without having to go to court.

George Hsu, who practices at clinics in Elgin and Glen Ullin, had his license revoked last month, when the board found he delivered substandard care in a number of cases.

He was faulted for not relying on diagnostic tests in treatment and for not providing all treatment options.

State law allows the board to reconsider its decision if petitioned.

Hsu filed his petition in mid-December and the board will decide today if it will give Hsu's case a rehearing.

The board's attorney, Rolf Sletten, said the board had to option of simply waiting 20 days and allowing the petition to expire.

Instead, it will meet to discuss the matter.

Sletten said it's unusual for the board to receive petitions for reconsideration.

It's more typical for doctors whose licenses are revoked by the board to appeal in district court.

Hsu still has 30 days to file in district court if the medical board turns down his petition.

Hsu said earlier that several of his local supporters have offered to help him with costs, if he takes his case to court.

He said he hurt his own chances with the board by failing to bring an attorney to his initial hearing. He said he's being faulted for relying on his own judgment and experience and for giving patients the right to refuse treatment.

In the end, the board determined that monitoring Hsu's practice would be too impractical and instead revoked his license.

(Reach reporter Lauren Donovan at 888-303-5511 or lauren@westriv.com.)