FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A judge says a Maryland doctor accused of improperly touching patients must have his medical license reinstated.

Michael S. Rudman’s license was revoked last June after the Maryland Board of Physicians overruled the recommendation of an administrative law judge, who questioned the patients’ credibility.

But The Frederick News-Post reports that a circuit court judge, G. Edward Dwyer Jr., ruled the board didn’t provide compelling reasons for discrediting the opinion of the administrative law judge. Dwyer said the board must therefore reinstate Rudman’s license.

Rudman’s lawyer says his client has “gotten justice finally.”

Rudman was arrested in 2005 and entered an Alford plea to second-degree assault, meaning he didn’t admit guilt but acknowledged there likely was enough evidence to convict him. The case has been cleared from his record.

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