Syracuse, N.Y. -- A Cortland doctor has turned in her medical license after being accused of caring for patients while she was impaired by alcohol.

The state Board for Professional Medical Conduct announced Dr. Brenda J. Connolly, who practiced at Family Health Network of Central York, 17 Main St., Cortland, surrendered her license. In a signed statement, Connolly did not contest the charges against her.

Here are some of the state's allegations:

Employees at the federally funded health center smelled alcohol on Connolly in July and saw her going to her vehicle several times during the day. She removed a bag from her vehicle and threw it in a dumpster. The bag contained a partially consumed bottle of vodka.

In August Connolly was asked to provide a urine sample. She subsequently admitted she had been drinking all night before coming to work and had submitted a patient's urine sample instead of her own.

In July she prescribed Victoza, an injectable drug for type 2 diabetes, for a patient who did not have diabetes.

She examined another patient with signs of severe postpartum depression in July. The mother indicated she had thought about harming her baby. Connolly prescribed Seroquel and Valium. Seroquel can cause increased depression and suicidal thoughts in young adults. Seroquel should not be used by women who are nursing.

The state charged Connolly with practicing negligently, practicing while impaired by alcohol or drugs and being a habitual user or alcohol or drugs.

You can contact health writer James T. Mulder at jmulder@syracuse.com or (315) 470-2245. Follow him on Twitter @JamesTMulder.