
The following licensees of the Division of Consumer Affairs have had their licenses suspended or revoked, or have voluntarily surrendered their licenses:
If you need information concerning the current status of a
licensee, you should use our License Verification
Line ("LVL") at 973-273-8090.
January 2001
Laurie Posci, CPA; suspension based on licensee's failure to respond to a subpoena to appear before the Board (filed and effective 1/30/01).
June 2001
James Sosinski, CPA; Consent Order based upon the receipt of information that on January 20, 2001 respondent was convicted in Superior Court in Union County of endangering the welfare of a child. He was sentenced to three years probation, 100 hours of community service and a fine of $2500. Respondent's license to practice accountancy is suspended for the duration of the period of criminal probation, January 20, 2004. All of the suspension is to be stayed, subject to condition that respondent submits quarterly reports from a Board-approved psychiatrist or psychologist for no less that one year from the entry of this Order (filed and effective June 14, 2001).
January 2001
Searle Plutch, Public Accountant; license surrendered due to licensee allegedly using monies of one client to make loans to other clients; also, despite his promise to return monies borrowed, licensee failed to return money in excess of $150,000 (filed and effective 1/30/01).
Alan S. Gottlich, CPA; Consent Order based upon the receipt of information that respondent pled guilty in November 1999 to one count of Making False Statements to the U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) in the United States District Court, Tampa, Florida. Respondent filed for asset/management and accounting fees in violation of HUD regulations. Respondent was sentenced to a three-month period of house arrest and a three year probation. Respondent acknowledges this conviction as well as the fact that this constitutes a crime of moral turpitude and one that relates adversely to the profession of accountancy. Respondent's license shall remain on inactive status and he shall not be issued an active license prior to the completion of criminal probation. While inactive, respondent shall not engage in the practice of public accounting in the State in any manner or form.
February 2001
Darryl Campana, D.C.; Final Order filed February 14, 2001 based upon a conviction in the United States District Court for an attempt to evade or defeat taxes. ORDERED: License suspended for a period of three years and six months. Six months of the suspension is active to correspond to the period of imprisonment and the remainder is stayed to serve as a period of probation, provided that respondent abides by all terms of the federal conviction.
Paul Campana, D.C.; Order filed February 14, 2001; Respondent may resume the active practice of chiropractic, with continued probation for the remainder of his suspension as requested in the Final Order of August 23, 2000, and with the provision that the respondent does not violate the conditions of his sentencing or supervised release.
Frederick C. Padovano, D.C.; Consent Order filed February 15, 2001 for incompetence in certain respects, which constituted the overutilization of chiropractic care and inadequate record keeping. ORDERED: Suspended license for a period of six months; said suspension shall be stayed, but shall be active upon a showing of respondent's noncompliance with any of the terms and conditions; shall successfully complete and pass specified continuing education requirements, pay civil penalties of $2000 and costs of investigation in the amount of $330. Failure to comply may result in further disciplinary proceeding.
May 2001
Michael Capilli, D.C.; Consent Order filed May 21, 2001 based upon a finding that respondent had violated Board regulations governing sexual misconduct, and further that he had received a referral fee from a massage therapist working in his practice. ORDERED: License suspended for one year, all of which is stayed to serve as probation; complete the ProBE (Professional Problem Based Ethics) course; civil penalties of $7000 and costs of $6784.33.
Virginia A. Fatato, D.C.; Final Decision and Order After Grant of Summary Decision and Hearing on Mitigation of Penalty filed May 14, 2001 based upon a guilty plea in Superior Court of New Jersey for theft by deception and falsifying records. ORDERED: License suspended for a period of five years, two years active, with the remainder stayed to serve as a period of probation. Respondent must successfully complete and pass the ProBE (Professional Problem Based Ethics) course; successfully complete and pass 24 hours of record keeping and documentation; shall take and pass the Board's jurisprudence examination and shall appear before the Board prior to reinstatement of her license; shall comply with all of the directives for disciplined licensee; and pay costs of investigation. Failure to comply with any provision of this order may result in subsequent disciplinary proceeding for failure to comply with an Order of the Board.
July 2001
Anthony DiPastina, D.C. - Consent Order filed on July 12, 2001, based upon respondent's failure to comply with the terms of a prior Consent Order filed on February 3, 1998. ORDERED: Respondent's license is suspended for six months, the entirety of which is stayed to serve as period of probation, during which time respondent shall, at his own expense, engage the services of a monitor, approved by the Board, to review patient records on a random basis to insure conformance with recordkeeping requirements set forth in Board regulations. Respondent is also required to attend and complete 24 hours of continuing education in recordkeeping and documentation, and also complete the ProBE (Professional Problem Based Ethics) course during the period of probation.
July 2001
Eleanor Bednar, D.C. - Consent Order filed on July 12, 2001. License voluntarily surrendered based upon information that respondent failed to document the rationale for diagnostic tests, failed to disclose history necessary to determine appropriate treatment; failed to record the application of test results and failed to describe the care and treatment of patients.
May 2001
Jay Jacobson, D.C. - Order of Reinstatement filed on May 21, 2001. Respondent's license to practice chiropractic was suspended for a period of five years by a Consent Order filed on February 8, 1996. Board finds that respondent has complied with the terms of the Consent Order. ORDERED: Respondent shall complete at least 36 hours of Board-approved continuing education and shall successfully complete the Special Purposes Examination for Chiropractic (SPEC) offered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners prior to the resumption of active practice.
July 2001
Joseph D'Alessio, License Numbers WA12420
WD016110
Final Order of Discipline based upon information that respondent pled
guilty on June 12, 2000 to four counts of Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual
Contact in the New Jersey Superior Court, Law Division Criminal of Essex
County. Respondent admits to engaging in criminal sexual contact with
four clients for the purpose of sexually gratifying himself or to
humiliate or degrade his clients during the provision of a licensed
activity in the shop he was licensed to operate. Respondent's license to
practice hairstyling and operate a shop are revoked effective July 11,
2001.
December 2001
Veronique Gede, License No. WG 32867
WD 020407
Suspension based upon information that respondent submitted false
documents with her application for the examination to obtain a
cosmetology and hairstyling license. Respondent's license to practice
cosmetology and hairstyling was suspended with the right to apply for
reinstatement after six months of the entry date of the order.
Respondent shall pay a civil penalty of $3000.00 and costs in the amount
of $8608.17. Filed and effective 12-11-01.
October 2001
Frank Ferrillo, License No. WI 07609; Final Consent Order based upon information that respondent wished to surrender his license to practice cosmetology and hairstyling in the State. The Board found that the respondent should be given leave to surrender his license with prejudice to any reapplication for licensure. Filed and effective October 25, 2001.
July 2001
Charlotte Lee, D.M.D. DI 15761 Consent Order filed on July 18, 2001; Respondent misrepresented dates of service on insurance forms, failed to keep proper records, and violated the terms of a prior consent order entered by the Board. ORDERED: License to practice dentistry shall be suspended for a period of three years, two months of which shall be served as a period of active suspension, the remainder shall be stayed and served as an active period of probation. The suspension shall commence on September 1, 2001. Civil penalty in the amount of $10,000 and cost of the investigation in the amount of $1,347.26.
August 2001
John J. Carchman, D.D.S. DI 6455 Order of Temporary Suspension of Licensure filed on August 1, 2001. Dental office maintained without adherence to appropriate sanitary practices and demonstrates a clear and imminent danger to the public health, safety and welfare. Nature and quantity of prescribing of Controlled Dangerous Substances, while also failing to renew his New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substance registration. ORDERED: License to practice dentistry in the State of New Jersey is temporarily suspended effective July 18, 2001 pending disposition after plenary proceedings.
September 2001
John Walsh, D.D.S. DI 08862 Consent Order filed on September 19, 2001. Office was maintained in unsanitary condition. ORDERED: One year suspension stayed and to be served as a period of probation. Civil penalty in the amount of $3,500 for conduct with respect to his failure to maintain a satisfactory level of cleanliness in his office. Cost of the investigation in the amount of $2,155.36. The Board will conduct random inspections of the office at reasonable frequency.
October 2001
Richard H. Williams, D.D.S. License No. DI 10949
Final Order of Discipline filed on October 9, 2001. Failed to pay the
required fees and failed to respond to the Board's request for
submission of the renewal fees for the 1997-1999 renewal periods.
ORDERED: Registration as a dentist indefinitely suspended as of October
17, 2001. The suspension shall continue until such time as the sum of
$725 is submitted, which reflects the $225 registration fee and late fee
and a civil penalty in the amount of $500 for failing to comply with the
Board for those fees.
November 2001
Larry Berman, D.D.S. License No. DI 13347
Consent Order filed on November 11, 2001. Dental office maintained in an
unsanitary condition. ORDERED: One year suspension stayed and served as
a period of probation; Civil penalties in the amount of $7500 and costs
of $1,568.28; random audits.
January 2001
William H. Schrock, D.D.S. License Number DI 15485; Consent Order filed January 5, 2001 based upon respondent's intention to move to another state so that he no longer wishes to hold a New Jersey dental license. He specifically expressed that he does not want to retire his license or apply for an inactive license status. Instead, he would like to voluntarily surrender his New Jersey dental license. ORDERED: Immediate and voluntary surrender of his dental license without prejudice.
August 2001
Robert E. Wollman DI 11414 Consent Order of Voluntary Surrender of Licensure filed on August 1, 2001; failed to comply with the conditions of a previous Order and has not yet achieved a point in his recovery that his continued practice of dentistry would not pose a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare. ORDERED: Immediately surrender his license to practice dentistry in the State of New Jersey for a minimum period of six months; conditions for possible reentry into practice.
July 2001
Santiago Garrido, License No. 5845; respondent's license expired March 31, 2000 and was not renewed until November 9, 2000. The Electrical Subcode Official of Bayonne, New Jersey reported that the respondent applied for a permit to perform electrical work on at least five different jobs during the period between April of 2000 and July of 2000. All of these jobs were completed. In addition, Mr. Garrido did electrical work in Carteret, New Jersey prior to the renewal of his license. On December 15, 2000 respondent was to inform the Board as to whether he had corrected the violations on the electrical work in Carteret, and to provide a copy of the final inspection for each of the five permits he had taken out in Bayonne. No response was received by the Board. Respondent is suspended until he has complied with the Board's request for information with regard to the Carteret complaint and the Bayonne violations. Respondent was assessed a civil penalty of $2500 for his violation of N.J.S.A. 45:5A-9, which prohibits the unlicensed practice of electrical contracting. He was also assessed a civil penalty of $1000 for violation of his licensee's duty to cooperate with the Board's inquiries and investigations. Filed and effective July 31, 2001.
February
Joseph L. Pravato; convicted of mail fraud in the U.S. District Court of NY, which is a crime of moral turpitude; license and business permit revoked; violation of N.J.S.A. 45:1-21 b, f; Final Order of Discipline filed 2/14/01.
October 2001
John A. Goble, License No. MG769
Jess J. Mendenhall, Expired Permit No. B-644
Order based on Director Herr having determined that respondents Goble
and Mendenhall had engaged in multiple violations of the Uniform
Enforcement Act, N.J.S.A.45:1-14 et.seq., and the Consumer Fraud Act,
N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et.seq. They utilized fraud, deception,
misrepresentation, and excessive pricing in the sale of hearing aids to
13 individuals. ORDERED: Respondent John A. Goble's license to practice
hearing aid dispensing in the State shall be revoked with prejudice.
Respondent Jess J. Mendenhall shall be permanently barred from being
admitted to an examination to obtain a license to practice hearing aid
dispensing in the State. Respondents Goble and Mendenhall jointly and
severally, shall pay restitution in the amount of $25,075.12. They shall
also pay costs in the amount of $20,000. Filed and effective October 5,
2001.
October 2001
Henry P. Leadbeater, License No. 4945
Final Order based upon respondent's failure to cooperate with a request
from the Board to provide proof of continuing education courses that he
had completed. Respondent's license is suspended and he is assessed
civil penalties of $200 for failure to complete the requisite continuing
education courses and for failure to cooperate with the Board's request.
Filed and effective October 25, 2001.
Anthony R. Lipari, License No. 747
Final Order based upon respondent's failure to cooperate with a request
from the Board to provide proof of continuing education courses that he
had completed. Respondent's license is suspended and he is assessed
civil penalties of $200 for failure to complete the requisite continuing
education courses and for failure to cooperate with the Board's request.
Filed and effective October 25, 2001.
Nicholas W. Lattiere, License No. 4909
Final Order based upon respondent's failure to cooperate with a request
from the Board to provide proof of continuing education courses that he
had completed. Respondent's license is suspended and he is assessed
civil penalties of $200 for failure to complete the requisite continuing
education courses and for failure to cooperate with the Board's request.
Filed and effective October 25, 2001.
Nicholas W. Lattiere, License No. 4909
Reinstatement based upon respondent providing the Board with proof he
has completed his continuing education courses. Respondent is still
responsible for $200 penalty. Reinstatement effective January 24, 2002.
January 2001
ALEXANDER, Edward J., M.D., License #49804
CONSENT ORDER filed January 11, 2001 The Board investigated
allegations of Dr. Alexander's involvement with unlicensed facilities
dedicated to the developmentally disabled and allegations of his
prescribing of controlled dangerous substances. When he failed to
appear before a committee of the Board on December 29, 1999, an Order to
Show Cause and Verified Complaint were filed by the Attorney General
which required Dr. Alexander to show why his failure to appear at a
Board inquiry should not necessitate the temporary suspension of his
license pending cooperation. Dr. Alexander consented to an Interim
Order which required him to cease and desist from engaging in any
practice of medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey until
further Order of the Board. Based on his appearance before a committee
of the Board on May 3, 2000, the Board found no cause for action
regarding the allegations of indiscriminate prescribing of controlled
dangerous substances and the operation of residential facilities. The
Board further found that he had violated New Jersey Statutes and
Regulations by his failure to cooperate with the Board in not appearing
for his December 29, 1999 scheduled appearance; he failed to provide the
Board with a change of address prohibiting communication; he left
confidential patient medical records unsecured and unprotected at a gas
station for an investigator from the Division of Consumer Affairs
Enforcement Bureau to subsequently pick up; and he provided patient
records to the Board which fell below appropriate standards. The Board
ordered that Dr. Alexander's license to practice medicine and surgery in
the State of New Jersey be suspended for two years. The first eight
months to be served as an active suspension retroactive to the Interim
Board Order of April 25, 2000, and the remainder to be stayed and served
as probation during which time he must comply with the conditions of
this Order. Dr. Alexander must meet with the Medical Director of the
Board every three months for the first year of probation and then at a
frequency to be determined by the Medical Director for the remainder of
the stayed suspension. He must also take and successfully pass the next
scheduled SPEX exam. Should he not pass this exam, the Board reserves
the right to require he take and successfully complete the appropriate
CME courses and/or retake the SPEX exam or another equivalent exam
and/or whatever other remedial action deemed necessary to ensure the
health, safety and welfare of the public. He must take and successfully
complete the PRIME or PROBE ethics course or an equivalent course
acceptable to the Board and provide the Board verification of successful
completion. Assessed $2,500.00 penalty and $1,792.40 costs. EFFECTIVE
DATE: January 11, 2001
KUDRYK, Alexander B., M.D., License #53469
CONSENT ORDER filed January 16, 2001 The Board received information
that Dr. Kudryk had failed to properly monitor the collection of urine
samples from another physician on behalf of the Physicians Health
Program (PHP) of the Medical Society of New Jersey. The Board
subsequently received information that Dr. Kudryk had failed to inform
the PHP about his consumption of alcohol on May 30, 1999 and his arrest
and conviction for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs. He
also omitted any reference to the DUI arrest and conviction and thus
falsely certified on his Controlled Dangerous Substances Renewal
application dated April 13, 2000 that he had not been convicted of any
crime. Dr. Kudryk has a prior history of abuse of alcohol and
involvement with the Physicians Health Program. During an appearance
before a committee of the Board, Dr. Kudryk admitted his failure to
properly monitor the other physician and his failure to advise the PHP
of his own DUI conviction. With respect to the Controlled Dangerous
Substance Renewal application, he testified he did not believe either a
DUI conviction or motor vehicle violation was a "crime" which had to be
disclosed. The Board ordered that Dr. Kudryk's license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be suspended for three
months. The suspension was stayed to be served as a period of
probation. Dr. Kudryk was reprimanded for dishonesty in failing to
reveal to the PHP his arrest and conviction for driving under the
influence of alcohol/drugs. He was also reprimanded for professional
misconduct in his failure to properly monitor the collection of urine
samples on behalf of the PHP. He must submit to weekly, random,
unannounced, direct-witness urine monitoring for the life of his license
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey. Any
failure to submit or provide a urine sample within 24 hours of a
request, shall be deemed equivalent to a confirmed positive urine test.
He must attend a support group program for chemically dependent people
no fewer than three times each week. The PHP must report quarterly to
the Board. Any treating physician or dentist who prescribes medication
which is a controlled substance must provide a written report to the PHP
documenting Dr. Kudryk's need for such medication. Dr. Kudryk is
permanently barred from acting as a urine monitor or collector on behalf
of the PHP. He must submit an updated CDS renewal form and an updated
Medical Board Biennial renewal form which discloses his conviction for
DUI on October 14, 1999. Assessed $2,500.00 penalty and $359.88 costs.
Dr. Kudryk agreed to the entry of an Order of automatic suspension of
license without notice, upon the Board's receipt of information which
reliably demonstrates his failure to comply with any of the conditions
of this Order. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 16, 2001
RODRIGUEZ-MORALES, Adulberto, M.D., License #53372
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed January 24, 2001 A Provisional Order
of Discipline was filed based upon the Board's receipt of information
that Dr. Rodriguez-Morales had pled guilty in the United States District
Court, District of New Jersey, to one count of failure to file an
individual income tax return. He admitted that during calendar year
1991 he had and received a gross income of about $340,337 but had
knowingly and willfully failed to make an income tax return to the
Internal Revenue Service. The Provisional Order was forwarded to Dr.
Rodriguez-Morales at his last known addresses on file with the Board.
Although the certified mailings to his last known addresses were
returned by the Post Office marked "forwarding order expired", the
regular mailings to the same addresses were not returned. The Board
deemed service effected. The Board has ordered that Dr.
Rodriguez-Morales' license to practice medicine and surgery in the State
of New Jersey be suspended for six months. Prior to resuming any active
practice in this State, he must appear before a committee of the Board
to demonstrate his fitness to do so. Any medical practice in this State
prior to said appearance shall constitute grounds for further
disciplinary action. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 24, 2001
February 2001
BYRNE, Rodolfo, M.D., License #41381
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed February 26, 2001 In December 1999,
Dr. Byrne entered into a Consent Order with the New York Board of
Professional Medical Conduct in which he admitted to seven charges of
professional misconduct. Specifically, he admitted to practicing
medicine with incompetence on more than one occasion by inadequately
evaluating, diagnosing and treating six patients. He failed to keep
adequate documentation of physical examinations and follow-up treatment
of six patients and either failed to obtain or failed to document the
medical history of six patients. The New York Board suspended his
license to practice medicine in that State for five years. The
suspension was stayed to be served as probation under supervision of a
practice monitor.A Provisional Order was filed with the New Jersey Board
October 4, 2000 containing the Findings of Fact. Dr. Byrne's response
to the Provisional Order was reviewed by the Board which determined
further proceedings were not necessary in that no material discrepancies
had been raised. The Board ordered that Dr. Byrne's license to practice
medicine in the State of New Jersey is suspended for five years. Prior
to resuming active practice in New Jersey, he will be required to appear
before a committee of the Board to demonstrate his fitness to resume
practice. Any practice in this State prior to formal reinstatement of
license by the Board will constitute grounds for a charge of unlicensed
practice. The Board reserves the right to place restrictions on his
license should it be reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 26, 2001
JASMIN, Frantz, M.D., License #48880
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed February 26, 2001 On January 27,
2000, Dr. Jasmin was convicted of the crime of Mail Fraud in the US
District Court, Southern District of New York, in that he submitted
false medical insurance claims to various insurance carriers through the
US Postal Service. He was sentenced to five months imprisonment and two
years supervision upon his release. He was ordered to pay $10,336.99
restitution. Based on this conviction, the New York Board of
Professional Medical Conduct suspended his license to practice medicine
for two years with three months active and the remainder stayed to be
served as probation. The New York Board also required he complete 200
hours of community service. A Provisional Order was filed with this
Board containing the above listed Findings of Fact. Dr. Jasmin
submitted a response to the Provisional Order in which he argued he pled
guilty to the charges of mail fraud to avoid the cost of defending the
case. The Board was not persuaded that the submitted materials merited
further consideration as Dr. Jasmin did not dispute the Findings of Fact
or Conclusions of Law. The Board ordered that Dr. Jasmin's license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey will be
suspended for two years or until such time he is able to demonstrate he
has fully complied with the terms of the New York Order. Prior to any
New Jersey practice, he must appear before a committee of the Board to
demonstrate his fitness to practice. Any practice prior to such
appearance will constitute grounds for a charge of unlicensed practice.
The Board reserves the right to place restrictions on his license should
it be reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 26, 2001
TABOTABO, Armando, M.D., License #32015
ORDER GRANTING EMERGENT RELIEF AND LEAVE TO FILE A SECOND AMENDED
COMPLAINT filed February 16, 2001 On February 9, 2001, the Attorney
General filed a Notice of Motion for Emergent Relief and Leave to File a
Second Amended Complaint. The State alleged that Dr. Tabotabo wilfully
violated the Board's prior order and compromised the public health,
safety and welfare by providing medical services to patients outside the
presence of the Board-ordered monitor and thwarting efforts on behalf of
the practice monitors to ascertain the full extent of the unmonitored
practice. Additionally, it was alleged that he was practicing medicine
without medical malpractice liability insurance coverage. A hearing was
held on February 14, 2001. Dr. Tabotabo did not appear. The Board
found that the Deputy Attorney General presented clear, convincing
proofs that Dr. Tabotabo practiced medicine in violation of the Board
Order which required monitoring. The Board ordered that Dr. Tabotabo's
license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be
temporarily suspended until final disposition of this matter by the
Board. This Order is effective immediately. The State is granted leave
to file a Second Amended Complaint. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 16, 2001
March 2001
ALMEIDA, Carlos A., D.O., License #58270
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed March 26, 2001 On May 12, 1999, the
Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance issued a Notice of Intent
to summarily suspend the medical license of Dr. Almeida. In lieu of a
summary suspension, Dr. Almeida entered into a Consent Order with the
Maryland Board wherein he agreed to a one-year stayed suspension, to be
served as a three-year period of probation, during which he was required
to complete comprehensive review courses related to the practice of
anesthesiology. One year from the date of the Final Consent Order, he
was required to undergo a focused peer review of quality of medical care
with a focus on anesthesiology related patient management. Dr.
Almeida's actions constitute having engaged in repeated acts of
negligence, malpractice or incompetence in addition to having an action
taken by another licensing jurisdiction. A Provisional Order of
Discipline was filed with this Board. Dr. Almeida submitted a request
for modification to the proposed discipline. The Board reviewed his
submission and determined further proceedings were not necessary,
however, sufficient mitigation was demonstrated to modify the penalty.
The Board ordered that Dr. Almeida's license to practice medicine and
surgery in the State of New Jersey be suspended for three years, such
suspension is stayed, and he is placed on three years probation,
retroactive to May 26, 1999 when he was placed on probation in the State
of Maryland. Such probation is subject to the same terms and conditions
placed upon his license in the State of Maryland. Prior to engaging in
the practice of medicine in New Jersey, he must appear before a
committee of the Board to demonstrate his fitness to practice. The
Board reserves the right to impose limitations on his practice in New
Jersey. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 26, 2001
JASMIN, Frantz, M.D., License #48880
CORRECTED FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed March 6, 2001 The
Provisional Order of Discipline and the original Final Order of
Discipline filed February 26, 2001 inadvertently indicated that Dr.
Jasmin's conviction occurred on January 27, 2000, the date on which the
New York Determination and Order was signed. The Judgment in the
Criminal Case reflecting the conviction actually was filed on July 16,
1998. The Final Order of Discipline filed February 26, 2001 suspended
Dr. Jasmin's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey for two years or until such time as he is able to demonstrate
he has fully complied with the terms of the New York Order. Prior to
any New Jersey practice, he must appear before a committee of the Board
to demonstrate his fitness to practice. Any practice prior to such
appearance shall constitute grounds for a charge of unlicensed practice.
The Board reserves the right to place restrictions on his license
should it be reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 26, 2001
KRONEN, Michael R., MD, License #52690
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed March 26, 2001 Dr. Kronen entered into
a Consent Order with the Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance
which suspended his license then placed him on five years probation with
practice restrictions based upon his having engaged in improper sexual
contact with a 21-year-old female patient/student under his care. Based
on the above information, a Provisional Order of Discipline was filed
with this Board. The Board reviewed Dr. Kronen's submissions in
response to the Provisional Order and determined further proceedings
were not necessary since no material discrepancies had been raised.
However, based on the mitigating circumstances he presented, the Board
determined to mirror the discipline imposed by the State of Maryland.
The Board ordered that Dr. Kronen's license to practice medicine and
surgery in the State of New Jersey will be suspended for six months,
with credit for five months of suspension served in the State of
Maryland, and with the remaining month stayed. He is placed on five
years probation concurrent with his probation in Maryland (March 24,
1999 - March 24, 2004) and on the same terms and conditions. Prior to
engaging in any practice of medicine in New Jersey, he must appear
before a committee of the Board to demonstrate his fitness to practice.
The Board reserves the right to impose limitations on his practice in
New Jersey. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 26, 2001
May
CIFALDI, Jr., Ralph J., D.O., License #59663
CONSENT ORDER filed May 9, 2001 The Board received information from
the Physicians' Health Program (PHP) of the New Jersey Medical Society
that Dr. Cifaldi had admitted to relapsing into a prior substance abuse
problem involving Vicodin. In the Spring of 1999, while practicing in
New York, he suffered a relapse and was admitted into a treatment
program. In or around May 2000, he relapsed again and in or around
September 2000, he again entered into a treatment program which he
completed on December 21, 2000. The Board has ordered that his license
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be suspended
for twelve months, retroactive to September 1, 2000, with six months
active suspension and six months stayed suspension. He must refrain
from taking psychoactive substances unless prescribed by a treating
physician for a documented medical condition and reported to the PHP.
He must submit to random urine monitoring, twice weekly, conducted by
the PHP, during the stayed portion of his suspension, and also during
his first full year of employment, at the completion of his suspension.
He must attend Alcohol Anonymous meetings and continue in his formal
aftercare program until discharged. The Board must consent to any
changes made to his aftercare program. He must refrain from engaging in
any solo practice. The Board's records reflect he is not currently
employed. He must notify the Board in advance should he wish to
commence or change employment. The PHP is to report quarterly to the
Board concerning his compliance with the treatment plan and immediately
notify the Board if Dr. Cifaldi suffers a relapse or fails to comply
with his aftercare program. Prior to any restoration of license, he
must appear before a committee of the Board, no earlier than September
1, 2001, to discuss his professional activities, provide reports from
the PHP and each and every mental health professional participating in
his treatment, and provide a full account of his activities from entry
of this Order until his appearance. EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2000
LEVINE, Marc M., M.D., License #52070
CONSENT ORDER filed May 14, 2001 The Board received information that
Dr. Levine had been arrested on one count of obtaining controlled
dangerous substances by misrepresentation. He admitted writing
approximately eighteen prescriptions for injectable Demerol in his
mother's name, although the Demerol he obtained was administered to his
patient, the mother of a close friend for a bona fide medical condition.
He obtained the Demerol improperly to assist the patient in avoiding
embarrassment over her need for narcotic pain relief. Although his
treatment was appropriate, he acknowledged his failure to coordinate his
treatment with the patient's other treating physicians which was not in
the patient's best interest. The criminal charges have been resolved
through entry into Pretrial Intervention. The Board ordered he be
reprimanded for engaging in acts of dishonesty and that his license be
suspended for one year. The entire suspension is stayed to be served as
probation. He must enter into a therapeutic relationship with a
psychologist for a minimum of one year with his psychologist reporting
quarterly to the Board and immediately reporting any information
indicating Dr. Levine may have engaged in conduct in violation of Board
statutes or regulations. He was assessed a $5,000.00 penalty and
investigative costs of $5,395.67. He was ordered to take ethics and
record keeping courses. He must appear before a committee of the
Board at the conclusion of the stayed suspension to discuss his
professional activities and his compliance with the requirements of this
Order. At that time, he must provide proof that he has satisfied all of
the requirements of the Pretrail Intervention Program. EFFECTIVE DATE:
May 14, 2001
PATTERSON, George A., M.D., License #33627
CONSENT ORDER filed May 17, 2001 The matter was opened before the
Medical Practitioner Review Panel upon receipt of a report from St.
Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey that Dr.
Patterson's privileges were summarily suspended based on determinations
that he did not hold medical malpractice insurance, had submitted
altered and false certificate purporting to show he held malpractice
insurance, and that he falsified information concerning malpractice
insurance on an application for renewal of hospital privileges. It was
determined that he had practiced without medical malpractice insurance
between July 1996 and December 1999. Dr. Patterson conceded he engaged
in similar deceptive misconduct at Somerset Medical Center. The Board
found he also filed a biennial renewal licensure application with the
State Board of Medical Examiners on June 20, 1999 wherein he falsely
represented he held malpractice insurance in the amount of $3/$5
million, when he did not hold such coverage and knew his response was
false. The Board ordered his license to practice medicine and surgery
in the State of New Jersey be suspended for three years with the
entirety stayed to be served as probation contingent upon his compliance
with all terms and conditions contained in this Order. He must perform
300 hours of Board-approved community service. He must submit proof
yearly that he holds malpractice insurance coverage. Within twelve
months, he must successfully complete a Board-approved ethics course.
He was assessed a civil penalty of $1,000.00 and investigative costs of
$898.24. Should he fail to comply with any term/condition of this
Order, said failure will provide sufficient cause for the Board to
rescind the entirety of the three-year probation and require he serve a
full three-year active suspension. EFFECTIVE DATE: May 17, 2001
June 2001
Lahiri, Swapnadip, M.D., License No. MA63137 (01/Active)
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed June 22, 2001 Dr. Lahiri had been
found guilty by the New York Board of fraudulent practice, moral
unfitness, and failure to maintain records, all related to his treatment
of, falsification of records for, inappropriate comments to, and attempt
to establish a personal relationship with a female patient. New York
ordered he receive a six month active suspension and 30 months
probation. A Provisional Order was filed and Dr. Lahiri responded. He
did not dispute the findings of the New York proceeding and did not
dispute the Findings of Fact or Conclusions of Law. The Board noted he
appeared to comply with the New York Order and determined to impose a
suspension and probation period identical to that imposed in New York.
The Board ordered Dr. Lahiri's license to practice medicine and surgery
in the State of New Jersey be suspended for three years with the first
six months active and the remaining 30 months stayed. The active six
month suspension is deemed to have begun on September 28, 2000 and
concluded February 28, 2001, the date the New York suspension concluded.
His 30-month period of probation began on March 1, 2001. He must comply
in all respects with the New York probationary requirements and with the
law and regulations governing the practice of medicine. Any failure to
comply will provide grounds for the activation of the stayed period of
suspension and additional discipline by the Board. EFFECTIVE DATE: June
22, 2001
Leibowitz, Leonard J., M.D., License No. 37421
ORDER OF TEMPORARY LICENSE SUSPENSION filed June 28, 2001 On June 6,
2001, an Order to Show cause and Verified Complaint were filed by the
Attorney General's office seeking the imposition of disciplinary
sanctions and remedial measures, including but not limited to the
temporary suspension of Dr. Liebowitz' license pending the final
disposition. Twenty-two Exhibits were presented demonstrating a pattern
of repeated unexplainable behavior involving controlled dangerous
substances (CDS) with five patients, a betrayal of doctor/patient
confidentiality with another patient, two bizarre encounters with the
Spotswood Police Department which gave rise to two hospitalizations and
an expired CDS registration. The evidence when considered against his
substance abuse history, suggests he is currently suffering a relapse or
is physically or medically unable to discharge the functions of a
licensee in a safe manner. The Board ordered the license of Dr.
Liebowitz to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be
temporarily suspended pending final resolution by the Board of the
plenary hearing in this matter. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 28, 2001
July 2001
Arfania, Jamshid J., M.D., License No.MA26553
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed July 24, 2001 Dr. Arfania's license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is suspended.
Action based on the revocation of his license by the state of California
based on mental impairment. He may seek restoration of his New Jersey
license upon reinstatement of his license to practice medicine in
California and upon demonstration of his current fitness to practice,
including submission of psychiatric evaluations and monitoring of his
plans for practice. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 24, 2001
Causton, Ronald B., License No. MA38596
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed June 26, 2001 The Board ordered that
Dr. Causton's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey be suspended for five years. Action based on his entering
into a Consent Agreement with the Florida Board of Medicine after being
charged with engaging in sexual misconduct in his treatment of a patient
and engaging in sexual intercourse with the patient, who was under his
care from August 1993 until about April 1997. Dr. Causton did not admit
or deny the allegations but admitted that had the allegations been
proven, such conduct would have been in violation of Florida statute.
The Florida Board suspended his license for one year, with the
suspension stayed. He was placed on five years probation during which a
physician monitor must indirectly supervise his actions, a licensed
female health care practitioner be present in the examination room when
he was treating female patients, he must remain in full compliance with
the conditions of his current Physicians Recovery Network contract, and
payment of a $7,500 fine. A Provisional Order of Discipline was filed
with this Board. Dr. Causton responded and requested he be allowed to
voluntarily surrender his license to practice medicine and surgery in
New Jersey. His submissions were reviewed by the Board which found his
conduct would amount to a clear violation of the sexual misconduct rule.
Prior to resuming practice in this State, he must appear before a
committee of the Board. Any practice prior to such appearance will
constitute grounds for a charge of unlicensed practice. The Board
reserves the right to impose restrictions on his practice should his
license be reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 26, 2001
Epstein, Salomon Natan, M.D., License No. 32001
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed June 26, 2001 The Board ordered
respondent's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State be
suspended for five years with the suspension stayed to be served as
probation. Action based on respondent's entering into a Consent Order
with the New York Board wherein he admitted guilt to twelve counts of
poor recordkeeping in full satisfaction of the charges against him. The
New York Board allegations reflected a pattern of disregard for accepted
standards of care dating from 1988 through 1995 in his treatment of
patients for whom he provided gynecological services. His records
reflected an absence of postoperative follow-up care, failure to provide
appropriate covering physician care, or to advise the patient with
information regarding hospital accessibility in the event of an
emergency. A Provisional Order was filed to which Dr. Epstein responded.
His submissions were reviewed by the Board which determined no material
discrepancies had been raised. This Board was not bound by the penalty
imposed in New York. It was persuaded that the materials submitted
merited further consideration and decided to modify the penalty listed
in the Provisional Order. Prior to resuming active practice in New
Jersey, he must appear before a committee of the Board. Any practice in
New Jersey prior to said appearance will constitute grounds for the
unlicensed practice of medicine. The Board reserves the right to impose
restrictions on his practice should his license be reinstated. EFFECTIVE
DATE: June 26, 2001
Esterman, Sidney, D.P.M., License No. 777
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed June 26, 2001 The Board ordered that
respondent's license to practice podiatry in the State of New Jersey be
suspended for three years. Dr. Esterman entered into a Consent Order on
August 31, 2000 with the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud
Prosecutor wherein he was ordered to pay a $5,000 penalty in settlement
of charges that he had knowingly submitted false and misleading pharmacy
bills in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey in support of his
claim for reimbursement of prescription drug purchases. Specifically, he
filed a claim with the insurance carrier receiving benefits totaling
$13,020 for which he was not entitled to, through the use of falsified
pharmacy receipts. A Provisional Order was filed on March 16, 2001 based
on the above listed Findings of Fact. Dr. Esterman failed to respond to
the Provisional Order. Prior to resuming active practice in the state,
he must appear before the Board. Any New Jersey practice prior to formal
reinstatement of license by this Board will constitute grounds for a
charge of unlicensed practice. The Board reserves the right to place
restrictions on his license should he be reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE:
June 26, 2001
Glass, Neal Ronald, M.D., License No. 54900
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE file June 29, 2001 The Board ordered
respondent's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State to be
suspended for three years with the suspension stayed to be served as
probation. Action based on the indefinite suspension of his Ohio license
after he was found to have prescribed Schedule III, IV and V controlled
substances to a patient, known to be his wife, between October 1994 and
April 1996 and in March and June of 1997. Despite such prescribing, he
failed to keep any patient records. A Provisional Order was filed with
this Board to which Dr. Glass responded. The Board reviewed his
submission and found that the materials submitted merited a modification
of sanctions which had been contained in the Provisional Order. The
Board ordered a three-year stayed suspension of Dr.Glass's license to be
served as probation. Prior to resuming any active practice in New
Jersey, he must appear before a committee of the Board to demonstrate
his fitness and that he has complied in all respects with the Ohio
Order. Any practice in New Jersey prior to said appearance will
constitute grounds for the charge of unlicensed practice. He must pay
all back registration fees to bring his registration up to date prior to
entering practice. The Board reserves the right to place restrictions on
his practice should his license be reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 29,
2001
Grable, Harvey R., M.D., License No. MA48411
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed July 26, 2001 The Board ordered that
his license to practice medicine and surgery in the State be suspended
for three years. Action based on Dr. Grable's entering into a Consent
Agreement with the New York Board wherein he admitted to two
specifications of failure to maintain medical records which accurately
reflect his evaluation of two patients involved in motor vehicle
accidents. The New York Board imposed a 36-month suspension with one
month an active suspension and the remaining 35 months being served as
probation. He also agreed to be precluded from testifying as a medical
expert in any physician malpractice proceedings. A Provisional Order of
Discipline was filed with this Board which provided Dr. Grable with 30
days to respond. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 26, 2001
August 2001
Berman, Victor M., M.D., License No. MA20086
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed July 6, 2001 Dr. Berman's license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is suspended.
Action based on the revocation of his California license after the
California Board found that he had committed repeated acts of gross
negligence. The California Board stayed its revocation and placed his
license on three years probation, required monitoring and excluded him
from practicing obstetrics and gynecology pending successful completion
of an oral competency examination and educational programs. A
Provisional Order was filed based upon the above listed Findings of
Fact. Dr. Berman did not respond to the Provisional Order. The Board
ordered the suspension of his license to practice medicine and surgery
in the State of New Jersey. He may reapply for licensure at such time he
can demonstrate successful compliance with and completion of the
requirements of his California probation and his possession of an
unrestricted license in all jurisdictions where he is licensed. Prior to
any active practice in New Jersey, he must appear before a committee of
the Board. Any practice prior to said appearance shall constitute
grounds for a charge of unlicensed practice. The Board reserves the
right to place limitations on his practice should his license be
reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 6, 2001
George, David Martin, D.O., License No. 35135
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed August 13, 2001 Dr. George's license
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is suspended
for five years with the suspension stayed to be served as probation.
Action based on the stayed-suspension of his license by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania after suffering a relapse of drinking and engaging in
violent behavior at his home. He was placed on five years probation in
Pennsylvania and was monitored by the Professional Health Monitoring
Program. Prior to any reactivation of his license, he must appear before
a committee of the Board to demonstrate his fitness to do so. Any active
practice in this State prior to such appearance shall constitute grounds
for the revocation of his license. The Board reserves the right to
require his participation in such a monitoring program as it may deem
appropriate. EFFECTIVE DATE: August 13, 2001
October 2001
Sirmans, Meredith, M.D., License No. MA39435
In September 1999, the New York Board entered a Consent Order based upon
Dr. Sirman's treatment of a patient who suffered a fetal demise. The New
York Board found that she failed to appropriately monitor the patient
during pre-natal visits, failed to diagnose fetal demise on the
patient's visit to her office, failed to address the differences in
gestational age. She was found to have engaged in professional
misconduct, repeated negligence and failure to maintain an accurate care
and treatment record for three patients. The New York Board imposed a
two-year stayed suspension, with probation including direct supervision
by a practice monitor board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. A
Provisional Order was filed with this Board based upon the New York
action. Respondent requested a modification of the intended sanction.
The Board reviewed the submissions and determined no further proceedings
were necessary in that no material discrepancies had been raised. The
Board was persuaded that the submitted materials merited modification of
the discipline. The Board ordered that Dr. Sirman's license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be suspended for two
years, with the entirety of the suspension stayed, to run concurrently
with the period imposed in New York. Prior to engaging in any practice
in New Jersey, she must appear before a committee of the Board to
demonstrate her fitness to practice. The Board reserves the right to
impose certain limitations on her practice. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 9,
2001
SUSPENDED FOR FAILURE TO RENEW PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 45:1-7.1(b) AND ACTION TAKEN IN ANOTHER LICENSING JURISDICTION
ADAMS, EARL LEONARD, III, M.D., NJ License #MA44360 (Lapsed 1987) Action Taken by: State of Florida
CHOPRA, SANJIV KUMAR, M.D., NJ License #45924 (Lapsed 1991) Action Taken by: State of New York
GOLDBLUM, WARREN, D.O., LICENSE #MB19962 (Lapsed 1995) Action Taken by: State of New York
MARDER, GARY, D.O., NJ License #MB45228 (Lapsed 1991) Action Taken by: State of Florida
RUNKE, LAWRENCE C., M.D., LICENSE #MA37957 (Lapsed 1983) Action Taken by: States of Texas and Arizona
SILBER, ARTHUR L., M.D., NJ License #MA29114 (Lapsed 1977) Action Taken by: State of California
VUTLA, PRASAD V., M.D., NJ License #MA34502 (Lapsed 1981) Action Taken by: West Virginia
November 2001
BULKLEY, Timothy, M.D., License #48240
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE AND REINSTATEMENT OF LICENSE WITH RESTRICTIONS filed September 30, 2001
The Board received information that Dr. Bulkley had entered into a
Consent Agreement and Order with the Pennsylvania State Board of
Medicine wherein his Pennsylvania license was revoked, the revocation
stayed, with a one year active suspension and five years probation after
admitting he was guilty of immoral and unprofessional conduct with two
female patients by initiating sexual and romantic relationships with
them while they were his patients. He further admitted he had practiced
medicine while his ability was impaired by alcohol, drugs or physical or
mental disability. The Board ordered that Dr. Bulkley's license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be suspended
for one year, with the suspension retroactive to March 1, 2000. The
Board further ordered his license be reinstated subject to restrictions.
He may be employed only in a Board-approved supervised medical practice
and may practice only at that location. His supervisor must report
quarterly to the Board regarding Dr. Bulkley's practice of medicine and
his drug free status. Supervisor must report to the Board within 24
hours any behavior indicative of a relapse into substance abuse or
psychiatric difficulties. He must participate with the Physicians
Health Program until further order of the Board, participation to
include participation at support groups, absolute abstinence from
alcohol and all controlled substances and prescription medications
unless prescribed by treating physician for legitimate medical
practice; random urine monitoring no less than once per week with any
positive results reported immediately to the Board. Must continue in
treatment with a Board-approved psychiatrist until further order of the
Board. Psychiatrist to report quarterly to the Board and immediately if
any discontinuance of his treatment. Must have a female chaperone
present at all times when he is examining female patients. Dr. Bulkley
consented to the automatic suspension of his license without notice upon
the Board's receipt of any information deemed reliable that he failed
to comply with the conditions of this Order, any reports of a confirmed
positive urine, or a prima facie showing of a relapse or recurrence of
drug abuse, any report of unprofessional conduct, professional
boundaries or engaging in sexual relationships with female patients
under his care. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1, 2000
HOFFMAN, Martin L, M.D., License #49158
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed November 9, 2001
Dr. Hoffman entered into a Consent Agreement and Order with the New York Board of Professional Medical Conduct wherein his New York license was suspended for two years, the suspension stayed to be served as a five year period of probation. Dr. Hoffman agreed to a permanent limitation of his license in that he permanently withdrew from the practice of medical specialty in cardiology. He was permitted to practice only under the supervision of a practice monitor. He admitted he had practiced his profession negligently on more than one occasion. Based on the New York action, a Provisional Order of Discipline was served on Dr. Hoffman
which required he respond within thirty days. He did not respond. The Board ordered that his license to practice medicine and surgery in New Jersey be suspended until such time as he has fully satisfied the terms of the New York Order. Prior to engaging in practice in New Jersey, he must appear before a committee of the Board to demonstrate his fitness to practice. He reserves the right to impose additional limitations upon his practice in New Jersey.
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 9, 2001
TAN, Yan Shin, M.D., License #47299
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed November 9, 2001
Dr. Tan's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New
Jersey is suspended for two years. Prior to any active practice in this
State, Dr. Tan must appear before a committee of the Board to
demonstrate his fitness to resume practice. Action based on Dr. Tan's
entering into a Consent Agreement with the New York Board wherein he did
not contest a charge of professional misconduct based upon a 1995
determination by the NY Department of Social Services that he submitted
claims for unfurnished services and a 1999 determination by the NY
Department of Health that he had intentionally submitted Medicaid
billings for services not rendered. He agreed to a reprimand and
censure. In addition he was also excluded by the New York State
Department of Health from participation in the Medicaid program for two
years for having intentionally submitted Medicaid billings for services
which had not been rendered.
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 9, 2001
December 2001
BELTZER, Blair R., M.D., License #MA50889
CONSENT ORDER filed December 18, 2001
The Board received information alleging Dr. Beltzer had engaged in
inappropriate sexual contact during his treatment of patient J.S. Said
conduct constitutes a violation of the Board's Sexual Misconduct
Regulation thereby demonstrating professional misconduct. The Board
ordered Dr. Beltzer's license be suspended for two years, the first
three months to be served as an active suspension and the remaining
twenty-one months to be stayed and served as probation. Said
suspension will take effect on January 1, 2002. He must successfully
complete a Board-approved ethics course, continue in therapy as
recommended by his treatment provider(s) and provide quarterly reports
to the Medical Director of the Board of Medical Examiners. Commencing
April 1, 2002, he must have a Board-approved chaperone present whenever
he examines a female patient until he is released from therapy. He must
pay a $5,000.00 penalty and costs of $622.00.
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2002
DAUITO, Ralph, MD, License #51448
CONSENT ORDER filed December 13, 2001
The Board investigated allegations that Dr. Dauito failed to diagnose a
pseudo aneurysm in patient R.S. in the area of a prior graft, after
performing an angiogram. He testified he prepared an angiogram report
that did not reference a pseudo aneurysm in the area of the prior graft
because he did not view all the x-rays. He further testified that when
he later reviewed the x-rays, he saw the pseudo aneurysm and amended his
prior report. He admitted his failure to diagnose the pseudo aneurysm
and his subsequent failure to notify the treating physician provided a
basis for action. The Board ordered he be reprimanded for his care and
treatment of patient R.S. and for engaging in actions in violation of
N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(d). His license to practice medicine and surgery in
the State of New Jersey is suspended for two years with the suspension
stayed to be served as probation so long as he complies with all other
terms of this Consent Order. Failure to comply may activate the two
year stayed-suspension. He must successfully complete a Board-approved
ethics course on or before March 1, 2002 and must successfully complete
a Board-approved course in the performance of angiographies on or before
June 1, 2002. He was assessed $7,500.00 in penalties and $36,337.00 in
costs. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 13, 2001
JARMON, Robert G., M.D., License #MA30161
ORDER OF TEMPORARY SUSPENSION filed December 20, 2001
An Application for Temporary Suspension of Dr. Jarmon's license to
practice medicine was brought by the Attorney General's office. An
Order to Show Cause scheduled this matter to be heard at the December
12, 2001 Board meeting. The Verified Complaint alleged that Dr. Jarmon,
a psychiatrist, engaged in sexual contact, including intercourse with
his psychiatric patient during the course of treatment sessions in his
medical office. His acts and purported treatment were said to
constitute gross or repeated acts of malpractice, negligence and
incompetence, professional misconduct, incapacity to practice consistent
with the public health, safety and welfare, and a violation of the
Board's Sexual Misconduct Regulation. Said conduct was further alleged
to demonstrate the absence of good moral character and any further
practice would pose a clear and imminent danger. The Board ordered that
Dr. Jarmon's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey be temporarily suspended pending disposition of a plenary
hearing in this matter. Such suspension is effective upon the oral
announcement of this decision on the record on December 12, 2001.
EFFECTIVE DATE: December 12, 2001
LARSEN, Johnny R., D.O., License #53911
FINAL ORDER filed December 14, 2001
On November 2, 2000, an Administrative Complaint was filed with the Board alleging professional misconduct predicated upon Dr. Larsen's use of controlled substances and the methods he used to obtained controlled substances, the indiscriminate prescribing of controlled substances, failure to maintain adequate patient records for himself, his then girlfriend, now his wife, and her brother and father. The Board found that he engaged in indiscriminate prescribing of CDS and that he procured CDS through improper methods to maintain his then addiction. The Board further found he obtained treatment for his CDS dependency in 1998, at which time he was out of practice for six weeks while obtaining treatment, and he has participated with the Physicians' Health Program (PHP) of the Medical Society of New Jersey since that time. Based on these findings, the Board ordered that Dr. Larsen's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be suspended for two years. The entirety of the two-year suspension will be stayed and served as probation. During probation, he must continue participation with the PHP. The PHP is to provide quarterly reports to the Board concerning his participation in the program and immediately report any evidence or information suggesting Dr. Larsen has relapsed or engaged any drug use other than pursuant to a valid prescription for a recognized medical condition. He was assessed costs of $6,000.00.
EFFECTIVE DATE: December 14, 2001
January 2001
FANELLI, Andrew T., D.O., License #24557
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed January 23, 2001 Dr. Fanelli signed a
Guilty Plea Agreement in the US District Court for the Eastern District
of Pennsylvania in which he pled guilty to an indictment charging him
with conspiracy to unlawfully abstract and convert to his own use funds
of an employee benefit plan. The indictment charged that he conspired
to embezzle funds from pension and profit-sharing plans which were
established for employees of Regional Gastroenterological Associates, of
which he was a partner. Losses to the Plans were at least $1,000,000.00.
A Provisional Order of Discipline was filed with the Board which
allowed Dr. Fanelli the opportunity to respond to the Findings of Fact.
Dr. Fanelli did respond. The Board reviewed his submissions and
determined further proceedings were not necessary. His conviction of a
crime involving moral turpitude and relating adversely to the practice
of medicine provided grounds for the suspension or revocation of his New
Jersey license. The Board ordered that his license to practice medicine
and surgery in the State of New Jersey be revoked. EFFECTIVE DATE:
January 23, 2001
FAZIL, Mohammad, M.D., License #MA31855
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed January 29, 2001 A Provisional Order
of Discipline was filed July 18, 2000 based upon the Board's receipt of
information that the California Medical Board revoked Dr. Fazil's
license after being convicted of insurance fraud in criminal court for
falsely certifying that four investigators from the Orange County
District Attorney's Office qualified for disability payments despite the
fact that there was no physical bases for any claim of injury and for
falsely billing for services rendered. He was also charged with
professional misconduct for acts of dishonesty or corruption. His
California revocation was stayed. He was suspended from practice for 90
days, placed on probation for five years and ordered to provide free
non-medical community services for at least 160 hours a year for each
year of probation; complete an ethics course, submit a plan of practice
in which his billing would be monitored by another physician in his
field, pay costs of the investigation and prosecution and monitoring.
The Provisional Order allowed Dr. Fazil the opportunity to respond to
the Findings of Fact. Dr. Fazil responded, but not in the allotted
time. The Board reviewed his out-of-time response which asked for the
imposition of a sanction equal to that imposed by California. The Board
determined further proceedings were not necessary since no material
discrepancies had been raised. The Board considered a recent Superior
Court of New Jersey matter in which the court held that a New Jersey
Board should not be bound by the penalty imposed by its counterpart in
another state. The Board ordered that Dr. Fazil's license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be revoked. EFFECTIVE
DATE: January 29, 2001
February 2001
CARIDEO, Ida, M.D., License #58093
FINAL ORDER OF REVOCATION filed February 14, 2001 The matter was
opened to the Board upon the filing of a one count Administrative
Complaint on August 30, 1999 alleging that on March 29, 1999, Dr.
Carideo was convicted of mail fraud conspiracy in the United States
District Court, Eastern District of New York, after a jury trial. The
Complaint additionally alleged that on or about March 29, 1999, Dr.
Carideo also pled guilty to receiving Medicare kickbacks. After the
jury trial, she was found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud in
billing and receiving payment from Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield for
tests and procedures rendered to herself and her husband by registering
as a provider with her maiden name and billing for herself and spouse as
patients using their married names. She was sentenced in United States
District Court for the Eastern District of New York to serve fifteen
months in prison and three years probation, and also ordered to pay
$20,000 restitution to Medicare and $8,390.60 to Empire Blue Cross/Blue
Shield plus a $100 special assessment. During the hearing, Board
members questioned Dr. Carideo extensively but were not able to elicit
any sense of remorse or recognition that she is responsible for the
conduct underlying the convictions. The Board considered that Dr.
Carideo pled guilty to one criminal count thereby foreclosing action on
remaining criminal allegations and later claimed to this Board she did
not perform the acts which she previously swore she did indeed perform.
The Board ordered Dr. Carideo's license to practice medicine and surgery
in the State of New Jersey be immediately revoked. The Board will not
consider an application for reinstatement of licensure prior to October
1, 2003. Prior to consideration of reinstatement of license, she must
demonstrate to the Board's satisfaction: a) satisfactory completion of a
Board-approved ethics course; b) satisfactory completion of a
Board-approved compliance course, including a billing and coding
component; c) payment of $2,500 fine; d) payment of costs to be
determined by a certification of costs; e) demonstration of current
clinical competence. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 14, 2001
FLEISHER, Paul R., M.D., License #18684
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed February 26, 2001 On or about April 24,
2000, Dr. Fleisher entered into a Voluntary Surrender of License and
Agreement Not to Renew or Reinstate his license to practice medicine in
the State of Connecticut. The Statements of Charges were based upon
Dr. Fleisher's having prescribed controlled dangerous substances on more
than one occasion to an undercover agent absent a proper medical
purpose. In addition, he forcibly attempted to kiss the undercover
Detective against her will. A Provisional Order of Discipline was filed
with this Board containing the Findings of Fact. Although the record
reflects that the Provisional Order was served upon Dr. Fleisher, no
response was received. The Board considered the matter and determined
no further proceedings were necessary and the Provisional Order should
be made final. The Board ordered that Respondent's license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is revoked. EFFECTIVE
DATE: February 26, 2001
March 2001
COLLIER, Bert David, Jr., M.D., License #36322
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed March 20, 2001
On or about February 12, 1999, a Judgment of Conviction was entered in
US District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin based on Dr.
Collier's guilty plea wherein he admitted to having knowingly and
willfully made material false and fraudulent statements and
representations to an agent of the Office of the Inspector General of
the Department of Health and Human Services. By Order of the Wisconsin
Medical Examining Board, Dr. Collier's license to practice medicine and
surgery was suspended for ten months. Upon reinstatement of his
Wisconsin license, he will be subject to limitations, which will include
a five-year bar to participation in the Medicaid/Medicare Programs. In
May 1999, Dr. Collier entered into a Stipulation Settlement and
Disciplinary Order which revoked his license and stayed that revocation
to be served as a seven-year period of probation. On October 4, 2000, a
Provisional Order of Discipline was filed with this Board containing the
above listed Findings of Fact. Through counsel, Dr. Collier requested a
modification of the Provisional Order. The Board reviewed the material
submitted and was not persuaded to amend the sanction to mirror the
penalty in other states or allow him to surrender his license. The
Findings of Fact contained in the Provisional Order were amended to
include information concerning the revocation of his license in
California. The Board ordered that Dr. Collier's license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be revoked. EFFECTIVE
DATE: March 20, 2001
DIMARIO, Carmen N., D.O., License #62426
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed March 26, 2001 The Board received
information that on or about September 28, 1999, Dr. DiMario was
sentenced to ten months in federal prison to be followed by three years
of supervised release after pleading guilty in the US District Court for
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to one count of mail fraud and one
count of tax evasion. He was also ordered to pay $32,242.27 restitution
and a $10,000 penalty, and to perform 100 hours of community service.
He had been charged with scheming to defraud insurance companies by
means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises,
by representing to patients that insurance would cover a substantial
part of the cost of rhinoplasty and by submitting preauthorization
request letters falsely stating the patients required surgery as a
result of accidental trauma to their noses. The second count charged he
attempted to evade a large part of his federal income tax for CY 1993 by
filing false and fraudulent joint tax returns. A Provisional Order of
Discipline was filed which allowed Dr. DiMario an opportunity to respond
to the Findings of Fact contained therein. His submissions were
reviewed by the Board which determined further proceedings were not
necessary in that no material discrepancies had been raised. The Board
ordered that Dr. DiMario's license to practice medicine and surgery in
the State of New Jersey be revoked. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 26, 2001
April 2001
CARAGINE, Paul J., Jr., M.D., License #28394
FINAL DECISION AND ORDER filed April 3, 2001 The Board had previously
taken action against Dr. Caragine's license to practice medicine and
surgery in the State of New Jersey based on separate unrelated conduct
involving improper prescribing of controlled dangerous substances. The
Verified Complaint in this matter alleged in eleven counts that Dr.
Caragine had improperly touched eleven patients, which touching was
sexually motivated and unrelated to legitimate medical practice. An
Interim Order entered November 25, 1998 temporarily limited Dr.
Caragine's licensure privileges and the matter was transmitted to the
Office of Administrative Law for hearing. The Board adopted in its
entirety the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law of the
Administrative Law Judge and ordered that effective March 21, 2001, Dr.
Caragine's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New
Jersey be revoked. He may not apply for reinstatement of licensure for
a minimum of five years from the effective date of this Order. He was
assessed at second offense penalty status of $5,000.00 for each of the
eleven patient offenses totaling $55,000.00. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 21,
2001
May 2001
VINING, Donna Boles, D.O., License #
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed May 7, 2001 Dr. Vining surrendered her
New York license on October 19, 2000 after being found guilty on
5/9/2000 and convicted in US District Court, Southern District of NY of
one count of health care fraud, one count of false statements relating
to health care matters and five counts of false claims for physician
services under the Medicare program. She did not contest these facts.
Based on the surrender of her license in New York, a Provisional Order
of discipline was filed with this Board. In her response to the
Provisional Order, she did not refute her conviction, but argued she was
an "accidental criminal," "duped into participating in a geriatric and
medically under-served patient community by others." She also argued
that there were issues within the New York Statement of Charges that
could have been contested. The Board ordered Dr. Vining's license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be revoked.
She may seek reinstatement of her license no sooner than two years
after entry of this Order. Any application for reinstatement must be
supported by documentation that her license in New York has been
reinstated and will require an appearance before a committee of the
Board to demonstrate fitness to practice. Any practice in this State
prior to said appearance will constitute grounds for the filing of an
unlicensed practice action. The Board reserves the right to place a
restriction on her license should it be reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE: May
7, 2001
June 2001
Watson, Jerrod C., Athletic Trainer, License No. MT390
FINAL ORDER filed June 14, 2001 Mr. Watson's license to practice
athletic training in the State of New Jersey is revoked and he is
ordered to pay $399.22 in costs. Action based on Administrative Law
Judge decision that cause existed to revoke his license based on his
criminal conviction of conspiracy to commit robbery, and robbery in
which a victim was killed. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 14, 2001
July 2001
Battalino, Barbara, D.O., License No. 37024
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed July 27, 2001 Dr. Battalino's license
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is revoked.
Action based on the surrender of her license in the State of California
and the State of New York. In July 1995, she testified under oath
concerning an allegation of sexual misconduct with a patient during an
office visit. Under cross examination, she responded that nothing of a
sexual nature had taken place in her office. Her answer was false and
misleading. On February 14, 1998, she was convicted of one count of
obstruction of justice in United States District Court, District of
Idaho, after providing false and misleading testimony concerning a
sexual relationship with a patient. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 27, 2001
Beronilla, Hilarion A., Jr., M.D. License No. 32334
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed June 26, 2001 Dr. Beronilla's license
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is revoked.
Action based on the suspension and subsequent revocation of respondent's
license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania based on allegations he
fondled eight female patients absent a proper medical purpose. The
Pennsylvania Board found he had departed from standard medical practice
by performing examinations which were not medically necessary. He had
also performed examinations in an incompetent and medically improper
manner, and he failed to record the reason for and the performance of
those examinations. Dr. Beronilla responded to Provisional Order filed
with this Board and requested reinstatement of his New Jersey license
based on his acquittal in the criminal case and unfair treatment by the
Pennsylvania Board. His submissions were reviewed by the Board which
noted a different standard applies to administrative proceedings. The
revocations of his Pennsylvania license provided a clear basis for
action. Prior to resuming active practice in this State, he must appear
before a committee. Any practice prior to said appearance will
constitute grounds for a charge of unlicensed practice. The Board
reserves the right to place restrictions upon his practice should his
license be reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 26, 2001
Carlucci, Joseph M., M.D., License No. 41526
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed July 24, 2001 Dr. Carlucci's license
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is revoked.
Action based on the suspension of his license in the State of Florida
and his failure to respond to a Provisional Order of Discipline filed
with this Board. The Florida action was based on findings that a
required drug screen had returned positive for amphetamine and
methamphetamine. The Florida Physician's Resource Network opined that he
was impaired due to chemical dependency and his impairment constituted
an immediate and serious danger to the public's health, safety and
welfare. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 24, 2001
August 2001
Chin, Ed Ming, M.D., License No. 36268
FINAL ORDER filed August 7, 2001 Dr. Chin's license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is revoked. Action based
on the surrender of his medical license in New York after admitting
guilt to allegations of negligence on more than one occasion and payment
of a $10,000 fine. EFFECTIVE DATE: August 7, 2001
Grauerholz, John E., M.D., License No. 42216
FINAL ORDER filed July 27, 2001 On July 8, 1999, respondent admitted
before a committee of the Virginia Board of Medicine that in 1997 he had
administered intravenous aloe vera substance to cancer patients on
approximately four occasions. The injections were not recorded in the
patients' charts and he was not authorized by the Federal Drug
Administration to sponsor clinical investigative trials of aloe vera,
which is not approved by the FDA for treatment of cancer. He was granted
immunity from prosecution in return for testifying against the physician
who owned the clinic. He admitted he was being treated for depression.
His license to practice medicine in Virginia was placed on indefinite
probation and he was not allowed to engage in the practice of clinical
medicine or any medical practice which involved direct patient care. He
was ordered to have his psychiatrist submit a report to the Virginia
Board within thirty days. A Provisional Order of Discipline was filed
October 3, 2000 with this Board based on the Findings of Fact listed
above. Dr. Grauerholz did not respond. The Board ordered that Dr.
Grauerholz's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey be revoked.
Qurtom, Helmy A.F., M.D., License No. 59805
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed August 16, 2001 On or about March 11,
1999, Dr. Qurtom pled guilty in U.S. District Court, District of
Maryland, to one count of theft of U.S. Government property; student
assistance benefits, and was sentenced to five months imprisonment and
ordered to pay restitution of $118,932.26 and a $15,000 fine. His
license to practice medicine in the State of Maryland was revoked on
November 15, 2000. A Provisional Order was filed on June 6, 2001. Dr.
Qurtom's response was reviewed by the Board. The Board found that his
continued systematic pattern of economic fraud at a time when he was
earning a substantial livelihood to be unconscionable and deserving of
the Board's most serious penalty. The Board ordered Dr. Qurtom's license
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be revoked.
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 16, 2001
Suzuki, Anthony, M.D., License No. 44824
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed August 20, 2001 Dr. Suzuki's license
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is revoked.
Action is based on the surrender of his license to practice medicine in
California after charges of gross negligence in his treatment of four
patients. The North Dakota Board denied his application for license
based on his failure to disclose the California action. He subsequently
surrendered his license in New York based on the California and North
Dakota actions. Based on the above Findings of Fact and his failure to
respond to a Provisional Order of this Board, the Board ordered that Dr.
Suzuki's license to practice medicine and surgery be revoked. EFFECTIVE
DATE: August 20, 2001
Trollinger, Robert, M.D., License No. 16573
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed August 20, 2001 Dr. Trollinger's
license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is
revoked. Action based on his arrest in Pennsylvania on criminal charges
of 12 felony counts of illegally dispensing controlled and noncontrolled
substances, three counts of obtaining payment to which he was not
entitled, one felony count of corrupt organization, two misdemeanor
counts of dispensing a controlled substance without the legally required
labeling, one misdemeanor count of possessing controlled and
noncontrolled substances which were adulterated or misbranded, two
misdemeanor counts of unlawfully possessing a controlled substance
(methamphetamine and marijuana), seven misdemeanor counts of unlawfully
intercepting and recording the oral conversations of others without
their permission. Based on the above, the Pennsylvania Board found he
engaged in unprofessional conduct and that his actions posed a clear and
imminent danger to public health and safety. His Pennsylvania license
was temporarily suspended. A Provisional Order was filed with this Board
in March 2001 based on the above listed Findings of Fact. Dr. Trollinger
did not respond. The Board ordered his license be revoked. EFFECTIVE
DATE: August 20, 2001
September 2001
Byron, Herve M., M.D., License No. 20959
CONSENT ORDER OF PERMANENT RETIREMENT OF LICENSURE filed August 19, 2001
The Board received information that Dr. Byron wished to permanently
retire his license to practice medicine in the State of New Jersey. The
Board granted leave and will immediately voluntarily permanently retire
his license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey.
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 19, 2001
Piuck, Charlotte, M.D., License No. 28120
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed August 31, 2001 Dr. Piuck's license
to practice medicine is revoked. Action based upon her entering into a
Settlement Agreement on or about July 31, 1998 with the US Department of
Justice and the Office of the Inspector General of the US Department of
Health and Human Services whereby she agreed to be permanently excluded
from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other federal
healthcare programs. Effective September 23, 1999, she also surrendered
her license to practice medicine in the state of New York. EFFECTIVE
DATE: August 31, 2001
October 2001
Austin, John, D.O., License No. 13629
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed October 9, 2001 On or about
September 19, 2000, Dr. Austin surrendered his Arizona license to
practice medicine based on information that he might be medically and/or
psychologically unable to safely and skillfully engage in the practice
of medicine. The Arizona Board found he was an immediate threat to the
health and welfare of the public. A Provisional Order of Discipline was
filed June 6, 2001 which required Dr. Austin to respond within 30 days
or the matter would be finalized. Attempts to serve respondent with the
Provisional Order at his last known addresses of record were
unsuccessful. The Board determined service to have been effected,
further proceedings not necessary and the Provisional Order should be
finalized. The Board ordered Dr. Austin's license to practice medicine
and surgery in the State of New Jersey be revoked. EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 9, 2001
Choudry, Mayna Mea, M.D., License No. 33276
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed October 9, 2001 On May 3, 2000, Dr.
Choudry entered into a Stipulation for Surrender of License with the
California Medical Board based upon having tested positive for cocaine.
She is barred from applying for reinstatement in California for at least
three years. A Provisional Order of Discipline was filed and served on
Dr. Choudry at her last known address of record. She did not respond.
The Board ordered that Dr. Choudry's license to practice medicine and
surgery in the State of New Jersey be revoked. The Board will not
entertain any application for reinstatement before she has completed the
entire period of probation imposed by the California Board. EFFECTIVE
DATE: October 9, 2001
Po, Teolfilo, M.D., License No. 22518
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed October 9, 2001 On February 3, 2000,
Dr. Po was convicted of aiding and abetting mail fraud which involved a
scheme to defraud and obtain money and property from various insurance
companies by way of submission of false and fraudulent medical claims.
On August 6, 2000, his California license was suspended based on his
conviction. A Provisional Order was filed with this Board based on the
conviction and the suspension of his California license. His attorney
requested a modification of the intended sanction. The Board reviewed
the materials and determined further proceedings were not necessary in
that no material discrepancies had been raised. The Board ordered that
Dr. Po's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New
Jersey be revoked. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 9, 2001
Velez, Anthony, M.D., License No. 17754
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed October 9, 2001 On November 6, 2000,
an order was entered by the New York Medical Board revoking Dr. Velez's
medical license for gross and repeated negligence and incompetence. A
Provisional Order was filed with this Board based on the New York
action. Dr. Velez's response to the Provisional Order was reviewed by
the Board which determined further proceedings were not necessary since
no material discrepancies had been raised. Respondent did not dispute
the Findings of Fact or Conclusions of Law. The Board ordered that Dr.
Velez's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New
Jersey be revoked. EFFECIVE DATE: October 9, 2001
November 2001
FREMER, Edward, D.O., License #MB58950
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed November 8, 2001
On March 19, 1998, Dr. Fremer entered into a Consent Order with the
Arizona Board which censured Dr. Fremer for unprofessional conduct and
placed him under 5 years probation, required a neuro-psychological
examination and compliance with the recommended treatment. His failure
to disclose this on his application for California licensure resulted in
his license being suspended for 4 years with the suspension stayed to be
served as probation. A Provisional Order of Discipline was filed with
this Board and served on Dr. Fremer at his last known address of record
with the Board. Dr. Fremer was required to respond within thirty days.
He did not respond. The Board has ordered that Dr. Fremer's license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be revoked.
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 8, 2001
LERNER, Marvin H., M.D., License #46693
ORDER filed November 14, 2001 A Verified Complaint and Application for
Temporary Suspension of Licensure were filed with the Board of Medical
Examiners. The matter had been referred to the Office of Administrative
Law on September 30, 1999 and on September 6, 2001. Administrative Law
Judge Edith Klinger issued an Initial Decision which contained findings
of repeated gross negligence, gross incompetence, gross malpractice,
failure to comply with Board regulations, fraud and misrepresentation.
No exceptions were filed and the parties did not appear before the Board
on October 10, 2001, when the matter was scheduled for final
decision-making. The Board ordered the license of Marvin Lerner, M.D.
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be revoked.
Dr. Lerner was assessed a $70,000.00 penalty and $124,396.11 in
investigative costs. EFFECTIVE DATE: November 14, 2001
ONDASH, Bernard, M.D., License #20148
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed November 9, 2001
Dr. Ondash's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey is revoked. Action based on his relinquishment of his
license to practice medicine in the State of Florida after allegations
he failed to keep written medical records justifying treatment,
inadequate patient histories and physical examinations, lack of
documentation regarding review of patient's hospital records or
communication with other treating physicians, which may have led to the
patient's death, practicing medicine below the standard level of care
recognized as acceptable, and that his conduct amounted to gross or
repeated malpractice. EFFECTIVE DATE: November 9, 2001
SCHEINER, Solly Meyer, M.D., License #26056
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed November 9, 2001
Dr. Scheiner's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey is revoked. Action based on his entering into a Consent
Order in April 19, 2000 with the New York Board of Medical Examiners
wherein he admitted to charges of misconduct. Specifically, allegations
involved the performance of surgical procedures which were either not
indicated or not warranted based upon the conditions of the patients. As
a result of the April 19, 2000 Consent Order, limitations were placed on
respondent's license, respondent surrendered all clinical privileges,
and respondent was completely restricted from the practice of medicine.
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 9, 2001
TZENG, Robert F., M.D., License #39660
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed November 9, 2001 Dr. Tzeng's license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is revoked.
Action based upon his conviction in February 1998 in US District Court
for the Central District of California, pursuant to a plea of guilty, of
one felony count of income tax evasion. On or about December 3, 1998,
he was incarcerated for six months. EFFECTIVE DATE: November 9, 2001
December 2001
PRAVETZ, Michael J., M.D., License #50364
FINAL ORDER and REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF HEARING COMMITTEE filed December 12, 2001
On December 28, 2000, a Final Order of Discipline was filed with this Board which revoked Dr. Pravetz's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey. The revocation was based on Dr. Pravetz surrendering his Kentucky license in lieu of revocation. He had been charged with engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with four patients and inappropriately prescribing controlled substances to four other patients. The matter was reopened before the New Jersey Board upon receipt of a report and recommendation from a Hearing Committee which the Board adopted in its entirety. The license of Michael J. Pravetz to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey is revoked. He may not apply for reinstatement of licensure for a minimum period of one year after the entry of this Order.
EFFECTIVE DATE: December 12, 2001
January 2001
BATES, Nancy, D.O., License #42669
ORDER ACCEPTING RETIREMENT OF LICENSE filed January 10, 2001
Information was presented to the Board as a result of Dr. Bates'
non-compliance with the terms of the Board Order filed May 11, 2000. Dr
Bates, by her signature on this Order, has represented that she has not
been engaged in the practice of medicine and that she has determined to
voluntarily surrender her license to practice medicine and surgery in
the State of New Jersey. The Board has accepted her surrender of
license. She may not engage in any form of the practice of medicine and
surgery in this State unless and until she applies and is relicensed
pursuant to an Order of the Board. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 10, 2001
DANKE, Peter J., Physician Assistant, #MP00269
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER filed January 25, 2001 The
Physicians Health Program (PHP) notified the Board, that a physician
assistant, who had been a participant in the PHP had relapsed in his use
of mood altering chemicals. The PHP had been notified by the Vice
President of Medical Affairs at Newark Beth Israel Hospital of an
incident where a syringe of Fentanyl was reported missing from the
medication cart. A drug screen urine test was immediately conducted on
Peter Danke which was positive for Diprovan. Mr. Danke then resigned
his position at Newark Beth Israel and relinquished his original license
and current registration. The Board ordered that Mr. Danke's license to
practice as a physician assistant in the State of New Jersey be
immediately surrendered and that he immediately cease and desist any
practice as a physician assistant in this State. He shall comply with
the Directives applicable to disciplined licensees. He shall not be
permitted to enter the premises of a medical facility for the purpose of
providing any consultation to other licensees rendering medical services
to patients or sign or submit insurance claim forms for treatment
rendered during the period of voluntary surrender. He must submit to
random urine monitoring under supervision of the Physicians Health
Program. The PHP must immediately report any positive result to the
Board. Any failure to submit or provide a urine sample within 24 hours
of a request will be deemed equivalent to a positive urine test. He
must continue in counseling with quarterly reports to the Board. He
must attend support groups, including AA/NA, as determined by the PHP
medical director. He must provide releases to any/all parties
participating in the monitoring program to ensure the Board's receipt of
information in a timely manner. This includes advising the Board of
any/all programs in which he engages which must submit quarterly reports
to the Board. In the event he wishes to petition the Board for
reinstatement of his license, he must appear before Committee of the
Board to demonstrate to the Board's satisfaction that he is capable of
discharging the functions of a licensee, including provision of the
documentation specified in the Consent Order. In the event the Board
determines to reinstate his license in any form, he must provide a copy
of this Order to any hospital to which he applies for privileges and to
any physician with whom he practices. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 25, 2001
REA, Michael, M.D., License #23709
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF LICENSURE filed January 10, 2001
In or about March 2000, Dr. Rea notified the Board that he had
temporarily ceased the practice of medicine. He had voluntarily
undergone a neuropsychological evaluation in cooperation with the
Physicians Health Program (PHP). With Dr. Rea's consent, the PHP
provided the Board with the results of that evaluation. Dr. Rea sought
permission to voluntarily surrender his license to practice medicine
without prejudice. The Board granted Dr. Rea permission to immediately
surrender his license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey. Prior to any restoration of his license, he must appear
before a committee of the Board to discuss his readiness to reenter the
practice of medicine and his practice plans. He must also provide proof
that he is capable of discharging the functions of a licensee in a
manner consistent with public health and that he is not then suffering
from any impairment or limitation resulting from his medical condition
or the use of controlled substances which could affect his practice.
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 10, 2001
RIENZO, Francis G., M.D., License #MA56451
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER filed January 16, 2001 The Board
received information Dr. Rienzo had been arrested and criminally charged
with possession of controlled dangerous substances (cocaine and
marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia. His attorney advised
the Board of his pending application for resolution of these charges by
entry into the Pretrial Intervention Program. The Board received
additional information from the Physicians Health Program that he had
admitted a substance abuse problem and had been referred to inpatient
treatment. Dr. Rienzo sought permission to voluntarily surrender his
license without prejudice. The Board ordered that Dr. Rienzo be granted
leave to immediately surrender his license to practice medicine and
surgery in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months from
entry of this Order. Prior to any restoration of license, he must
appear before the Board to discuss his readiness to re-enter the
practice of medicine and provide evidence he is not a habitual user of
controlled substances that are not part of a treatment plan. He must
also provide reports from each and every mental health professional who
participates in his care/treatment. Entry of this Order is without
prejudice to further action by this Board or other law enforcement
entities resulting from Dr. Rienzo's conduct prior to entry into
treatment. He consented to the use of information derived from his
entry into, and participation in, the Pretrial Intervention Program and
agrees that any expungement of a criminal offense at issue in this
matter shall not be a bar to Board action. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 16,
2001
February 2001
BASSO, Nicholas V., Jr., D.O., License #MB28583
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF LICENSURE filed February 28, 2001 The Board recently received information that Dr. Basso had admitted a relapse into a prior substance abuse problem. This information was developed by investigators from the Enforcement Bureau of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the course of their investigation into allegations that Dr. Basso misappropriated and forged prescription blanks belonging to his physician employer. Dr. Basso has been ineligible to practice medicine in the State of New Jersey since September 1999 having voluntarily agreed to the indefinite suspension of his license in a Consent Order entered at that time. The Board has granted Dr. Basso leave to immediately surrender his license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey. Prior to any restoration of license, he must appear before a committee of the Board to discuss his readiness to reenter the practice of medicine and provide evidence that he is capable of discharging the functions of a licensee in a manner consistent with the public's health, safety and welfare and that he is not then suffering from any impairment or limitation resulting from the use of controlled dangerous substances which could affect his practice. EFFECTIVE DATE:
February 28, 2001
SAUL, Stephen L., DPM, License #2479
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF LICENSE filed February 22, 2001
The Board received information that Dr. Saul had tested positive for
cocaine while under supervision of the Physicians Health Program( PHP)
of the Medical Society of New Jersey and in violation of a Consent Order
entered into on August 18, 2000 in which he agreed to abstain absolutely
from all psychoactive substances unless prescribed by a treating
physician. Further, the PHP reported to the Board that he has been
arrested twice for drug-related criminal offenses based on two separate
incidents which occurred just prior to entry of the August 18, 2000
Consent Order. The Board ordered that Dr. Saul be granted leave to
immediately surrender his license for a minimum of six months from entry
of this Order. Prior to any restoration of license, Dr. Saul shall
appear before a committee of the Board to determine his fitness to
re-enter practice and provide proof that he is not then suffering from
any impairment or limitation which could affect his practice. This
Order is without prejudice to further action by this Board or other law
enforcement entities resulting from Dr. Saul's conduct prior to
application for reinstatement of licensure. Dr. Saul explicitly
consents to the use of information derived from his entry into, and
participation in, the Pretrial Intervention Program and agrees that any
expungement of a criminal offense at issue in this matter shall not be a
bar to Board action. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 22, 2001
March 2001
ELLIS, Kent R., M.D., License #46337
CONSENT ORDER filed March 29, 2001 The Board received information from
the Physicians Health Program that Dr. Ellis had admitted a relapse into
the abuse of Hydrocodone and that he had voluntarily ceased practice and
entered into an in-patient treatment program on or about February 27,
2001. The Board ordered that he immediately surrender his license for a
minimum of three months from the date of entry of this Order. Prior to
any restoration of license, he must appear before a committee of the
Board to demonstrate his fitness, competence and capacity to re-enter
the practice of medicine. He must also provide the Board with reports
from each and every mental health professional who participates in his
care and/or treatment during the period of time from his entry into
treatment until his appearance and the Physicians Health Program
detailing the nature and extent of his involvement with that entity.
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 29, 2001
TABOTABO, Armando, M.D., License #32015
CONSENT ORDER filed March 15, 2001 with an effective date of March 8,
2001. A Motion was brought before the Board on the basis of the alleged
violation of a prior Board Order. On February 16, 2001, Dr. Tabotabo's
license was temporarily suspended pending final disposition. All
parties appeared before Administrative Law Judge Elinor R. Reiner on
March 8, 2001. On that date, Dr. Tabotabo dismissed his attorney on
the record and assumed his own representations. Dr. Tabotabo sought to
voluntarily surrender his license to practice medicine in the State of
New Jersey and admitted to the conduct outlined in the Second Amended
Complaint. Said conduct constituted professional misconduct and an
express violation of the Board's prior order. Dr. Tabotabo agreed to
the terms of this Consent Order under oath and on the record before
Judge Reiner on March 8, 2001. The Board ordered that Dr. Tabotabo be
granted leave to surrender his license to practice medicine in the State
of New Jersey, with prejudice to any reapplication. Such surrender will
be deemed, and have the full effect, of revocation, and is effective as
of March 8, 2001. At this time, he will not be made to pay civil
penalties or the Board's costs in this matter. However, if he reapplies
for his medical license at any time in the future, no reinstatement will
be ordered until he pays the costs in this matter in an amount not to
exceed $3,000.00. Notwithstanding payment of such costs, reinstatement
will be at the sole discretion of the Board. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 8,
2001
April 2001
KOLLMER, W. Lance, MD, License #45251
CONSENT ORDER filed April 16, 2001 The Board received information
from the Physicians Health Program (PHP) of the Medical Society that Dr.
Kollmer had admitted a relapse into a prior substance abuse problem,
voluntarily agreed to cease practice and would immediately enter into
in-patient treatment. He wished to voluntarily surrender his license.
The Board ordered that Dr. Kollmer immediately surrender his license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey for a minimum
of six months from the date of entry of this Order. He must immediately
arrange for and complete in-patient treatment for chemical dependence
and advise the PHP, the Board, and the Attorney General's office of the
arrangements. Prior to any restoration of licensure, he must appear
before a committee of the Board to discuss his readiness to re-enter the
practice of medicine and his proposed plans for practice. At that time,
he must provide the Board with reports for every mental health
professional who has participated in his care and/or treatment during
the period of time from entry into treatment to his appearance. He must
also provide a report from the PHP detailing the nature and extent of
his participation with that entity. This order is without prejudice to
further action by this Board or other law enforcement entities resulting
from his conduct prior to entry of this Order. EFFECTIVE DATE: April
16, 2001
May 2001
KORZENIOWSKI, Philip A., M.D., License #59875
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER filed May 9, 2001 The Board
received information indicating that during the period of March 26, 2001
to April 23, 2001, Dr. Korzeniowski had obtained over 400 units of
Lortab, a controlled dangerous substance, through prescriptions
authorized by him and issued in the name of his wife. Dr. Korzeniowski
personally retrieved all of the medication dispensed by various
pharmacies. The Physicians Health Program (PHP) has now notified the
Board that Dr. Korzeniowski had admitted a relapse into a prior
substance abuse problem, had voluntarily agreed to immediately cease
practice, and had agreed to enter an in-patient treatment program no
later than May 4, 2001. The Board ordered that he be granted leave and
must immediately surrender his license to practice medicine and surgery
in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months from entry of
this Order. Prior to any restoration of his license, he must appear
before the Board to discuss his readiness to re-enter the practice of
medicine, provide evidence he is capable of discharging the functions of
a licensee in a manner consistent with the public's health, safety and
welfare, and that he is not then suffering any impairment or limitation
which could affect his practice. At that time, he must provide the
Board with reports from every mental health professional or facility
that has participated in his treatment from his entry into treatment to
his appearance. He must also provide a report from the PHP detailing
the nature and extent of his involvement with that entity. Entry of
this Order is without prejudice to further action by this Board or other
law enforcement entities resulting from his conduct prior to entry into
any treatment facility pursuant to this Order. EFFECTIVE DATE: May 9,
2001
June 2001
Schwartz, Jay H., M.D., License No. 66867
CONSENT ORDER filed June 7, 2001 The Board received a report from the
Physicians' Health Program (PHP) that Dr. Schwartz had ingested a large
amount of Soma Compound, a controlled dangerous substance and they had
directed him to seek emergent care. He was transferred to inpatient
treatment at Marworth and subsequently transferred to COPAC in
Mississippi where he remains. The Board ordered Dr. Schwartz to
immediately surrender his license to practice medicine and surgery in
the State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months from the date of his
entry into inpatient treatment. Prior to any restoration he must appear
before a committee of the Board to discuss his readiness to re-enter the
practice of medicine; provide evidence he is capable of functioning in a
manner consistent with the public's health, safety and welfare and that
he is not then suffering any impairment or limitation which could affect
his practice. This action is without prejudice to further action by this
Board or other law enforcement entity resulting from his conduct prior
to entry into any treatment program. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 7, 2001
Weierstall, Lois E., A.T., License No. MT00072
INTERIM ORDER OF SURRENDER filed June 18, 2001 with an effective date of
June 13, 2001 The Board received information that Lois Weierstall had
been arrested and charged with a single count of alleged sexual assault
from January through March 2001, on five occasions, upon a 16-year-old
student over whom she had supervisory and disciplinary power. A Consent
Order was filed in which the Board ordered respondent to surrender her
registration to practice athletic training in the State of New Jersey.
She must immediately cease and desist from the practice of athletic
training and may not seek employment in athletic training pending the
Board's review of the resolution of criminal charges filed regarding
this matter. She must inform the Board in writing within 20 days after
the resolution of the criminal charges and provide copies of such
resolution to the Board to include, but not be limited to, the entry of
judgment following trial or upon a plea, dismissal of the charges, or
acceptance of respondent into a Pre-Trial Intervention Program. Entry of
this order is without prejudice to the Board's ability to institute and
hear administrative disciplinary action after resolution of the criminal
charges. Entry of this order is without admissions by respondent and
without prejudice to the ability to defend against any disciplinary
action filed by the Board. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 13, 2001
July 2001
Lickfield, Kevin J., D.O., License No. MB56759
ORDER filed August 2, 2001 Pursuant to his July 27, 2001 letter to
the Board, respondent notified the Board of his immediate surrender of
licensure based upon his intention to seek "appropriate medical
treatment." His offer was made without prejudice to a petition for
reinstatement at a future date. The Board accepted his voluntary
surrender of licensure without prejudice. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 27, 2001
Niziol, John A., M.D., License No. MA30205
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF LICENSE filed July 25, 2001 The
Board received information from the Physicians' Health Program of the
Medical Society of New Jersey indicating Dr. Niziol had relapsed into a
prior alcohol abuse problem. Dr. Niziol entered treatment at Marworth
and sought leave to voluntarily surrender his license without prejudice.
The Board ordered that he immediately surrender his license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of three
months from the date of his entry into inpatient treatment. Prior to any
restoration of license, he must appear before a committee of the Board
to discuss his readiness to re-enter the practice of medicine, provide
evidence he is capable of discharging the functions of a licensee in a
manner consistent with the public's health and safety and that he is not
then suffering from any impairment or limitation resulting from the use
of alcohol or any drug which could affect his practice. Entry of this
Order is without prejudice to further action by this Board or other law
enforcement entities resulting from his conduct prior to entry into any
treatment facility pursuant to this Order. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 25, 2001
Eisenstein, Bernard, M.D., License No. 11388
CONSENT ORDER GRANTING VOLUNTARY SURRENDER AND PERMANENT RETIREMENT OF
LICENSURE filed August 9, 2001 A Verified Complaint was filed
December 5, 2000 the matter was transferred to the Office of
Administrative Law for hearing. Dr. Eisenstein desired to resolve the
matter without admitting any wrongdoing concerning the alleged
misconduct and sought leave to surrender his license with prejudice and
permanently retire from the practice of medicine in all jurisdictions.
The Board ordered he immediately surrender his license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey with prejudice to any
future reapplication. Said surrender shall constitute the permanent
voluntary retirement of his license. He also agreed to permanently
retire his license to practice medicine in the State of New York. For no
longer than eighteen months from the entry of this order, respondent
shall be permitted to wind down his medical-legal expert practice. He
is permitted to function as an expert witness at a trial or initial
hearing level, in the matters described in Appendix attached to the
Order. He must notify the Board before appearing in any matter as a
medical-legal expert in which he seeks to testify providing proof he had
been retained for such services prior to May 31, 2001. He may not serve
as a medical-legal expert after eighteen months from entry of this
Order. He must return his Controlled Dangerous Substance registration
and immediately advise DEA of this Order. He must pay investigative
costs of $6,000 within eighteen months following entry of this Consent
Order. EFFECTIVE DATE: August 9, 2001
October 2001
Choi, Byong-Du, M.D. License No. 31049
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed October 9, 2001 In January 1999, Dr.
Choi entered a Consent Agreement with the Michigan Board based on his
treatment of two patients. The Michigan Board found he failed to
recognize a potential life threatening emergency and failed to
administer appropriate medications to open the patient's airway and that
he also failed to appropriately evaluate the potential difficulty in
intubation prior to induction of anesthesia of another patient who was
morbidly obese. He did not contest the allegations. Michigan imposed
permanent limitation on his medical license and a fine. He surrendered
his New York license in August 1999 based on the Michigan disciplinary
action. A Provisional Order of Discipline was filed with this Board on
June 27, 2001, which required Dr. Choi respond within 30 days or the
matter would be finalized. Dr. Choi responded indicating he had no
intention of ever practicing in New Jersey, he is retired and wished to
surrender his license. The Board ordered that Dr. Choi be granted leave
to surrender his license to practice medicine and surgery in the State
of New Jersey with prejudice. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 9, 2001
Foster, Gregory S., D.O., License No. MB51370
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER filed October 25, 2001 The Board
received information from the Physicians Health Program that Dr. Foster
voluntarily admitted a relapse into the abuse of alcohol. He had entered
into in-patient treatment on or about February 3, 2001 through February
24, 2001. Upon discharge, he was admitted into the Talbott Marsh
Recovery Campus, from March 1 through April 21, 2002 and has since
completed the program successfully. Dr. Foster has requested permission
to voluntarily surrender his license without prejudice. The Board has
ordered that he be granted leave to immediately surrender his license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey for a minimum
of three months from the entry of this order. Prior to any restoration
of his license, he must appear before a committee of the Board to
discuss his readiness to reenter the practice of medicine and provide
evidence he is not then suffering any impairment or limitation which
could affect his practice. He must meet with a Board-approved
psychiatrist and an aftercare counselor at least once a week, submit to
random twice-weekly urine monitoring under the supervision of the
Physicians Health Program and provide the Board with reports from each
and every mental health professional who participated in his care and/or
treatment from the time of entry into treatment to his appearance before
a committee of the Board. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 25, 2001
Hewitt, Alan Richard, M.D., License No. 26390
FINAL ORDER OF DISCIPLINE filed October 9, 2001 In May 1999, the
California Board entered a Stipulated Settlement and Decision wherein
Dr. Hewitt acknowledged he had practiced with gross negligence,
incompetence and repeated negligence based on his treatment of four
patients. His California license was revoked, with the revocation stayed
to be served as a six year period of probation. He was required to
undergo an evaluation of his clinical training and education. Based on
the California action, he voluntarily surrendered his license to
practice medicine in the State of New York. A Provisional Order was
filed with this Board which required Dr. Hewitt's response within 30
days. Dr. Hewitt forwarded a letter by which he voluntarily surrendered
his license. The Board ordered no further proceedings were necessary and
granted leave for Dr. Hewitt to surrender his license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey with prejudice.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 9, 2001
November 2001
AMBROSE, Dean A., D.O., License #48347
CONSENT ORDER filed November 14, 2001 The Board received information
from the Physicians Health Program of the New Jersey Medical Society
that Dr. Ambrose had admitted a relapse into the abuse of prescription
medications. He had been a participant of the Alternate Resolution
Program and subject to PHP monitoring since March 2000. He represented
to the Board he has voluntarily refrained from the practice of medicine
since July 27, 2001 and agreed to immediately enter into treatment. The
Board ordered that he immediately surrender his license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of three
months from the date of entry of this Order. Prior to any restoration,
he must appear before a committee of the Board to discuss his readiness
to re-enter the practice of medicine, provide evidence he is capable of
discharging the functions of a licensee in a manner consistent with
public health, and that he is not then suffering any impairment or
limitation resulting from the use of cocaine, alcohol, or any drug which
could affect his practice. He must provide the Board with reports from
each/every mental health professional who participated in his care
and/or treatment; a report from the PHP detailing the nature/extent of
his involvement, and a full account of his conduct during the
intervening period of time from his entry into treatment to his
appearance pursuant to this Order. EFFECTIVE DATE: November 14, 2001
COOKE, John R., M.D., License #MA70958
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER filed November 16, 2001 The Board
received information from the Physicians Health Program (PHP) that Dr.
Cooke had admitted a relapse into the abuse of alcohol. According to
the PHP, he had been a participant in the Alternate Resolution Program
and subject to PHP monitoring since October 3, 2001. He entered
in-patient treatment at Marworth, Pennsylvania on or about July 20
through August 17, 2001. He asked the Board's permission to voluntarily
surrender his license to practice medicine without prejudice. The Board
has ordered he immediately surrender his license to practice medicine
and surgery in the State of New Jersey for a minimum period of six
months from the date of entry of this order. Prior to any restoration
of his license, he must appear before a committee of the Board to
discuss his readiness to re-enter the practice of medicine, provide
evidence he is capable of discharging the functions of a licensee in a
manner consistent with public health, safety and welfare, and that he is
not then suffering from any impairment or limitation resulting from the
use of cocaine, alcohol or any drug which could affect his practice. He
must continue in treatment with a Board-approved psychiatrist and a
Board-approved psychologist, attend support groups, submit to random
twice-weekly urine monitoring under the PHP's supervision, meet monthly
with PHP representatives, provide reports from each and every mental
health professional who participated in his care and/or treatment during
the period from entry into treatment until his appearance pursuant to
this Order. EFFECTIVE DATE: November 16, 2001
December 2001
DEMURO, Peter, D.O., License #MB25849
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER filed December 13, 2001 The Board
received information that Dr. DeMuro prescribed Vicoden, a Schedule III
controlled dangerous substance, for seven individuals all of whom
appeared to be either family members or neighbors of Dr. DeMuro. He was
served with a subpoena requiring production of patient records for these
individuals. Prior to the return date of the subpoena, his attorney
contacted the Board and advised that he had recently enrolled in an
in-patient treatment program for substance abuse and that he did not
maintain any patient records for those seven individuals. Dr. DeMuro
sought to surrender his license. The Board ordered he be granted leave
to immediately surrender his license to practice medicine and surgery in
the State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months. Prior to any
restoration of license, he must appear before a committee of the Board
to discuss his readiness to re-enter the practice of medicine, provide
evidence he is capable of discharging the functions of a licensee in a
manner consistent with the public's health and safety, and that he is
not then suffering from any impairment or limitation resulting from the
use of Vicoden, alcohol, or any controlled dangerous substance which
could affect his practice. He must provide the Board with reports from
each/every mental health professional who participated in his care or
treatment, provide the Board with a report from the PHP detailing the
nature of his involvement and provide the Board with a full account of
his conduct during the time from his entry into treatment until his
appearance. This order is without prejudice to further action by this
Board or other law enforcement entities resulting from his conduct prior
to entry into treatment. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 13, 2001
ORATIO, Dennis, M.D., License #46629
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF LICENSURE filed December 18,
2001 On December 13, 2001, an Order to Show Cause and Verified Complaint
were filed with the Board. The Verified Complaint contained allegations
of dishonesty/fraud, professional misconduct, incapable of discharging
the functions of a licensee, engagement in drug use likely to impair his
ability to practice medicine, and clear and imminent danger. Dr. Oratio
has requested an adjournment of the return date until the next meeting
of the Board on January 9, 2002. The Board ordered that Dr. Oratio be
granted leave to immediately voluntarily surrender his license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey, pending the
disposition of the Order to Show Cause on January 9, 2002. He must file
an Answer to the Verified Complaint with the Board no later than
December 24, 2001. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 18, 2001
PAUL, David M., M.D., License #46011
CONSENT ORDER OF VOLUNTARY SURRENDER filed December 12, 2001
The Board received information from the Physicians Health Program (PHP) that Dr. Paul had relapsed into substance abuse. On November 26, 2001, he was arrested by the Wall Township Police Department and charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor or drugs; reckless driving; and failure to maintain lanes. In September 1999, he had also been arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor or drugs. At that time he admitted he relapsed into a substance abuse addiction that had first manifested in 1985. The Board granted Dr. Paul leave to immediately surrender his license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months from entry of this Order. He must meet with a Board-approved psychiatrist and an aftercare counselor at least once a week, attend AA meetings, submit to random urine monitoring under the supervision of the PHP, meet monthly with a PHP representative, and provide the Board with reports from each/every mental health professional who has participated in his care and/or treatment. Prior to any restoration of his license, he must appear before a committee of the Board to discuss his readiness to re-enter the practice of medicine, provide evidence he is capable of discharging the functions of a licensee, and is not then suffering any impairment or limitation This order is without prejudice to the continuation of any investigation presently undertaken by the Attorney General, including and not limited to the criminal matter still pending, and to the filing of any future complaint regarding any ongoing investigations.
EFFECTIVE DATE: December 7, 2001
January 2001
BOSNIAK, Stephen, M.D., License #35253
ORDER GRANTING
UNRESTRICTED LICENSE filed January 19, 2001 By Final Order filed July
31, 1998, Dr. Bosniak's license to practice medicine and surgery in the
State of New Jersey was suspended. This action was based upon
disciplinary action taken against his licensure privileges in the State
of New York. Prior to any reinstatement of Dr. Bosniak's New Jersey
license, he was required to appear before a committee of the Board. Dr.
Bosniak appeared and provided information concerning his satisfactory
compliance with the New York Order. The Board ordered he be granted an
unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 19, 2001
HOPFAN, Job, M.D., License #45951
CONSENT ORDER REINSTATING LICENSURE filed January 3, 2001 Pursuant to
a Consent Order filed March 27, 2000 with this Board, Dr. Hopfan
voluntarily surrendered his license after suffering a substance abuse
relapse and entering an intensive out-patient treatment program. The
Consent Order required that his license be surrendered for a minimum of
six months before the Board would consider restoring licensure. Dr.
Hopfan petitioned the Board for reinstatement of his license. He
appeared before a committee of the Board, accompanied by a
representative of the Physicians Health Program, and testified
concerning the treatment he had received since surrendering his license.
The PHP representative testified that Dr. Hopfan had been completely
compliant with the Physicians Health Program and presented evidence that
the twice weekly urine monitoring test results had all been negative.
The Board reviewed all information and ordered that Dr. Hopfan's license
to practice medicine and surgery in this State be reinstated, contingent
upon his compliance with all terms and conditions set forth in the
Order. He must maintain absolute abstinence from all psychoactive
substances unless prescribed by a treating physician for a documented
medical condition. He must continue therapy. He must continue
participation with the PHP and submit to twice weekly random urine
screens conducted by the PHP for the first six months following entry of
this order and weekly urine screens thereafter for a period of not less
than a year PHP to report quarterly to the Board concerning his
participation and report immediately should Dr. Hopfan fail to comply
with PHP requirements, relapses or otherwise engages in the use of
psychoactive substances. Prior to resuming practice, he must inform the
New Jersey licensed nurse who works with him of his prior substance
abuse problems and obtain written acknowledgment she will make an
immediate report to the Board and PHP of any evidence of impairment or
substance abuse by Dr. Hopfan. Any reporting by the PHP of
non-compliance or relapse shall provide cause for entry of an immediate
Order by the Board suspending his license. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 3,
2001
PHILLIPS, Ronald B., D.O., License #MB25908
CONSENT ORDER FOR REINSTATEMENT OF LICENSE filed January 10, 2001
Dr. Phillips' license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey had been suspended in 1998 based upon an action taken
against his licensure privileges in the State of Pennsylvania where he
pled guilty to federal charges of obtaining controlled substances by
fraud, misrepresentation and deception for his own personal use. In
June 2000, Dr. Phillips petitioned the Board for reinstatement of his
license. A representative of the Physicians Health Program (PHP)
appeared with Dr. Phillips to support his reinstatement petition. In
December 2000, Dr. Phillips petitioned the Board for consent to resume
practice in New Jersey conducting medical exams for insurance purposes
on behalf of Examination Management Services, Inc. of Howell, New
Jersey. The Board, believing he has shown he is serious about his
rehabilitation and is now fit to practice, has ordered that his license
to practice medicine and surgery be reinstated with conditions. Those
conditions are: 1) random quarterly urine testing administered through
the Physicians Health program; 2) continued face-to-face meetings with a
member of the PHP of the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical
Society's staff at no less of a frequency than on a quarterly basis; 3)
continued attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous at no less of a frequency
than twice weekly; 4) immediate reporting to the Board of any sign or
evidence of relapse or other change of status relating to this Order; 5)
He is specifically granted permission to work doing insurance physicals
on behalf of Examination Management Services, Inc. of Howell, New
Jersey. Should he seek employment in any other setting, his practice
shall be limited to primary care and addiction in a medical facility or
a group practice, with his supervisors made aware of this Order and
permission must be sought from the Board prior to any future changes in
employment. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 10, 2001
ROSENBERG, Paul Howard., M.D., License #58683
CONSENT ORDER REINSTATING LICENSURE filed January 29, 2001 Dr.
Rosenberg petitioned the Board for reinstatement of his license to
practice medicine. Pursuant to a Consent Order filed on August 28,
2000, Dr. Rosenberg surrendered his license based upon his relapse into
the use of Dilaudid. That Consent Order required his appearance before
a Committee of the Board prior to any reinstatement of license. On
November 1, 2000, he appeared before the Preliminary Evaluation
Committee accompanied by a representative of the Physicians Health
Program (PHP). He testified concerning treatment received since
surrendering his license. Upon review of the information presented, the
Board was satisfied that he had demonstrated fitness to return to
practice with conditions. The Board ordered that Dr. Rosenberg's
license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be
reinstated contingent upon his compliance with the terms set forth in
this Order. He may not prescribe, administer or dispense any
controlled dangerous substances in his medical practice. He must
maintain absolute abstinence from all psychoactive substances, unless
prescribed by a treating physician for a documented medical condition
and written notification provided to the Physicians Health Program. He
must continue participation in individual and group counseling until
such time as both his counselor and the PHP recommend discontinuance.
His counselor and the PHP must report quarterly to the Board and
immediately notify the Board of any non-compliance or relapse. He
consents to the immediate suspension of his license upon receipt of
information concerning non-compliance or relapse. EFFECTIVE DATE:
January 29, 2001
March 2001
GARCIA, Jerry Steven, MD, License #70529
ORDER OF UNRESTRICTED LICENSURE filed March 27, 2001 On April 19, 2000,
Dr. Garcia entered into a Consent Agreement with the Board which granted
him a restricted license conditioned on protective safeguards. Dr.
Garcia has provided documentation that he has satisfied the requirements
of that Consent Order and has requested an unrestricted license. After
reviewing all submissions, the Board found that he has satisfied his
burden to demonstrate to the Board's satisfaction his ability to engage
in the practice of medicine absent the requirements outlined in the
April 19, 2000 Consent Order. The Board has ordered that he be granted
an unrestricted plenary license to practice medicine and surgery in the
State of New Jersey. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 27, 2001
KESHISHIAN, Paul, D.O., License # 39051
MODIFIED ORDER OF REINSTATEMENT OF LICENSE WITH LIMITATIONS filed March
6, 2001 Dr. Keshishian petitioned the Board for a decrease in the
monthly monitor reports required pursuant to Board orders of March 3,
1999 and December 15, 1999. The Board considered his request and
authorized the decrease in monitoring to require reporting on a
quarterly basis beginning April 1, 2001. All other terms of the Order
will remain in effect. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 6, 2001
SPERLING, Howard J., M.D., License #42924
CONSENT ORDER REINSTATING LICENSURE filed March 2, 2001 Dr. Sperling
voluntarily surrendered his license to practice medicine in the State of
New Jersey pursuant to a Consent Order filed April 13, 2000 based upon a
relapse into substance abuse. That Consent Order required that, prior
to any restoration of licensure, Dr. Sperling must appear before a
Committee of the Board to demonstrate his capacity to discharge the
functions of a licensee in a manner consistent with the public's health,
safety, and welfare and that he was not then suffering from any
impairment or limitation resulting from any substance use which could
affect his ability to practice. On November 2, 2000, Dr. Sperling,
accompanied by a representative of the Physicians Health Program (PHP),
testified before a Committee of the Board in conjunction with his
petition for reinstatement of his license to practice medicine in this
State. The Board reviewed all information and is satisfied that Dr.
Sperling has demonstrated his present fitness to practice, provided he
complies with all the conditions and terms imposed by this Order. He is
precluded from holding a registration certificate for controlled
dangerous substances (CDS). Other conditions contained in this Order
are: absolute abstinence from all psychoactive substances unless they
are prescribed by a treating physician for a documented medical
condition; continued participation in weekly aftercare sessions until
such time as his counselor and the PHP Medical Director both agree
treatment can be concluded; twice weekly random urine screens conducted
by the PHP for the first six months following entry of this Order and
weekly screens thereafter for a period of not less than a year;
continued documented attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous; continued
participation with the Physicians Health Program with quarterly reports
to the Board regarding his participation and immediate notification of
any failure to comply with the conditions of this order or evidence of a
relapse. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 2, 2001
TELANG, Frank W., M.D., License #57090
CONSENT ORDER REINSTATING LICENSURE filed March 30, 2001. The Board
received a request from Dr. Telang for discontinuance or relaxation of
conditions placed upon his medical practice during a three-year period
of probation effected per operation of the Order of Licensure
Reinstatement with Restrictions and Limitations filed March 25, 1998.
Dr. Telang appeared before a committee of the Board . His request was
supported by the Physicians Health Program. The Board found he has
demonstrated his fitness to practice medicine sufficient to support his
application. The Board ordered that Dr. Telang's license be reinstated
and the three-year period of probation imposed by operation of prior
Board orders be eliminated. Notwithstanding the reinstatement of his
license, Dr. Telang expressly represented and agreed to refrain from
engaging in any practice of medicine or surgery in the State of New
Jersey, unless and until such time as he provides notice to the Board of
his intent to resume the practice of medicine and he appears before a
committee of the Board to demonstrate his then current fitness to engage
in the practice of medicine and provides the Board with details
concerning the nature of any practice. At such time, the Board will
determine whether conditions should then be placed upon his resumed
practice in New Jersey, to include the possible imposition of
requirements that he practice with a chaperone and/or practice
supervisor or monitor. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 30, 2001
May 2001
DiBLASIO, Libico Mario, M.D., License #34552
ORDER filed May 9, 2001 The Physicians' Health Program petitioned the
Board on behalf of Dr. DiBlasio seeking change in his licensure status
with the Board from inactive to active. In June 2000, Dr. DiBlasio
voluntarily agreed to cease and desist from practicing medicine and
surgery in New Jersey pending resolution of the summary suspension of
his license in the State of New York. Subsequent to the entry of this
cessation order, the New York case was completely dismissed on January
26, 2001. The Board ordered that the status of Dr. DiBlasio's license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be changed from
inactive to active, thereby vacating its June 26, 2000 Consent Order of
Voluntary Cessation. EFFECTIVE DATE: May 9, 2001
EBERT, Ellen, MD, License #MA43699
CONSENT ORDER GRANTING RESTRICTED LICENSURE filed May 15, 2001 By
Consent Order filed August 28, 2000, Dr. Ebert voluntarily surrendered
her license to practice medicine and surgery based on a relapse into
substance abuse. On February 7, 2001, she testified before a committee
of the Board pursuant to her petition for reinstatement of her license
subject to conditions. Her petition for reinstatement was supported by
the Physicians' Health Program (PHP). She testified that she had
participated in an eight week in-patient program and had consistently
tested negative for any psychoactive substances, including alcohol.
Based on her testimony and the recommendation of the PHP, the Board has
ordered that she be granted a limited license to practice medicine and
surgery in the State of New Jersey pursuant to conditions listed. She
must maintain absolute abstinence from all psychoactive substances
unless prescribed by a treating physician for a documented medical
condition with immediate notification to the Medical Director of the
PHP. She must attend support groups at least three times per week and
submit to twice-weekly random urine monitoring for the first six months
of her return to practice and then on a random weekly basis for the next
year. She must meet face-to-face monthly with a representative of the
PHP for the next year and then on a schedule to be determined. She must
ensure her employer/ supervisor, her therapist and the PHP reports
quarterly and immediately notifies the Board of any evidence of relapse
or non-compliance. Dr. Ebert consents to the entry of an Order of
Automatic Suspension without notice upon the Board's receipt of a
confirmed positive urine. Prior to the removal of any restrictions set
forth in this Consent Order, she must appear before a committee of the
Board. EFFECTIVE DATE: May 15, 2001
LEVINSON, Benjamin, M.D., License #39835
CONSENT ORDER REINSTATING LICENSURE filed May 22, 2001 Dr. Levinson
petitioned the Board for reinstatement of his license to practice
medicine. His license had been suspended in October 1991 for a minimum
of five years based on his being found guilty of eight counts of sexual
misconduct. He seeks reinstatement only to allow him to practice
administrative medicine in connection with his position at Raritan Bay
Medical Center. His petition was supported by the Physicians Health
Program. The Board has ordered that his license to practice medicine in
New Jersey be reinstated in a limited basis, contingent upon his
compliance with all terms and conditions specified in this Order. He
may practice only under supervision at Raritan Bay Medical Center and
only in an administrative capacity. He is expressly precluded from
having any patient contact or any responsibility for any patient care.
His supervisor and the PHP must report quarterly to the Board and
immediately report any information suggesting he has had patient contact
or responsibility for patient care or any information that his continued
practice would present any danger to the public health, safety or
welfare. He must continue to attend support group meetings and
continue to participate with the Physicians Health Program (PHP). Dr.
Levinson agrees that the Board's receipt of any report that he has
failed to comply or any breach of the terms of this Order will provide
cause for entry of an immediate order suspending his licensure.
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 22, 2001
June 2001
Draesel, Wayne R. M.D., License No. 39186
CONSENT ORDER GRANTING RESTRICTED LICENSURE filed June 1, 2001 On
November 27, 2000 a Consent Order was filed with the Board in which Dr.
Draesel surrendered his license to practice medicine and surgery in the
State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months. Said surrender was
based on an admitted relapse into substance abuse. Dr. Draesel
petitioned the Board for restoration of his license. His petition was
supported by the Medical Society of New Jersey's Physicians Health
Program (PHP). At his appearance before a committee of the Board, Dr.
Draesel testified he entered into inpatient treatment at Marworth in
Pennsylvania on or about October 23, 2000. Proof submitted to the Board
demonstrated that he has achieved a substantial period of drug-free
sobriety, has been treated weekly by a psychologist, attends daily
support group meetings, and appears to have been totally compliant with
the requirements of the PHP. The Board ordered that respondent's license
to practice medicine and surgery is restored subject to the restrictions
specified. He may apply for reinstatement of his Controlled Dangerous
Substance (CDS) and DEA registrations. He agreed to refrain from taking
any psychoactive substances, including alcohol, unless these substances
are prescribed by a treating physician for a documented medical
condition, and only if notification is first given to the Executive
Medical Director of the PHP. He must submit to random urine monitoring,
monthly face-to-face visits with PHP representatives, Alcohol Anonymous
meetings at least five times per week, until the conclusion of the first
three months of his return to practice. He will continue a formal
aftercare program with quarterly reports submitted to the Board and
immediate notification to the PHP if poor compliance with aftercare
program or evidence of relapse. Aftercare program will continue until
such time as his therapist, the PHP Medical Director and Dr. Draesel
mutually agree it is no longer required. PHP to notify the Board in
writing, if any changes are made in his aftercare program, including but
not limited to any change in his therapist. He will continue visits with
his treating physician, to include medication monitoring. The Board's
records reflect Dr. Draesel is not currently employed. Should he
commence employment, he must notify the Board in writing. Entry of this
Order is without prejudice to further action by this Board or other law
enforcement entities resulting from his conduct prior to entry of this
Order. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 1, 2001
O'Connell, Mark, M.D., License No. 65676
ORDER OF UNRESTRICTED LICENSURE filed June 14, 2001 Dr. O'Connell
petitioned the Board for an Order of Unrestricted Licensure based upon
his compliance with earlier Board orders and his continued cooperation
with the Physicians Health Program (PHP). The Board ordered that all
restrictions upon his medical license be lifted and that he be granted
an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 14, 2001
July 2001
Chuzin, Yakov, M.D., License No. 64793
CONSENT ORDER filed July 11, 2001 Dr. Chuzin petitioned the Board for
modification of the Order of Limited Reinstatement filed July 12, 2000.
He had previously entered into a Consent Order of Voluntary Surrender of
Licensure with the Board on October 29, 1999 after admitting a substance
abuse problem involving the inhalational gas Forane (isoflurane). Proofs
submitted to the Board demonstrated he has achieved a period of drug-
and alcohol-free sobriety, has been compliant with the requirements of
the Physicians Health Program (PHP) , and remains under the care of his
treating psychiatrist who reported he has been cooperative and compliant
with no indication of a relapse. The Board ordered that he be granted an
unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of
New Jersey subject to conditions. He must refrain from taking any
psychoactive substances unless prescribed by a treating physician for a
documented medical condition and only if notification is given to the
PHP. He must continue participation with the PHP, including random
weekly urine monitoring. Any positive urine results will be reported
immediately to the Board. Any failure to provide a urine sample within
24 hours of a request will be deemed to a confirmed positive urine test.
He must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and continue in his formal
aftercare program. He must notify any potential employer of his prior
problems with the abuse of inhalational anesthetics. The Physicians
Health Program is to report quarterly to the Board concerning his
compliance and immediately notify the Board if he suffers a relapse or
fails to comply with his aftercare program. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 11,
2001
Jihayel, Ayad K., M.D. License No. 43467
ORDER GRANTING UNRESTRICTED LICENSURE filed June 26, 2001 Dr. Jihayel
petitioned the Board for an unrestricted license to practice medicine
and surgery in the State of New Jersey and for authorization to apply
for reinstatement of his controlled dangerous substance prescribing
authority which he had previously voluntarily surrendered. The Board
reviewed all information available which demonstrated that he has
remained in total compliance with all requirements of his prior Board
Order. The Board has now ordered that the Consent Order filed June 1999
be terminated and Dr. Jihayel be granted an unrestricted license to
practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey. He may also
apply for reinstatement of his controlled dangerous substance
prescribing authority. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 26, 2001
Sarner, Steven W., M.D., License No. 50401
ORDER OF LIMITED REINSTATEMENT OF LICENSE WITH CONDITIONS filed June 21,
2001 Dr. Sarner petitioned the Board for reinstatement of his license
to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey. On May 13,
1998, he voluntarily surrendered his license in settlement of an
application for temporary suspensions based on a Verified Complaint
alleging sexually inappropriate conduct and language directed at
professional colleagues and failure to cooperate in a Board
investigation of the matter. He admitted the allegations of the initial
Verified Complaint and pled no contest to the remaining allegations. By
Consent Order filed May 12, 1999, Dr. Sarner's license was suspended for
three years retroactive to May 13, 1998. On May 22, 2000, an Order of
Limited Reinstatement with Conditions was filed with the Board. The
Board considered all documents submitted and is satisfied he has
complied with the Final Order of May 12, 1999. The Board has authorized
the issuance of this Order, superceding the Order of May 22, 2000, which
permits patient contact and includes certain limitations and conditions
as permitted by the Order of May 12, 1999. Prior to beginning work in
any position which requires a New Jersey license, he must notify the
Board and must obtain Board approval. He can only work in a structured
setting under supervision. He must provide his supervisor with this and
all prior Board orders. His supervisor is required to report to the
Board every four months from the beginning of employment and immediately
report to the Board any conduct with a patient or staff that might be
considered in violation of this Order. He must continue in personal
psychotherapy and insure his treating practitioner submits quarterly
reports to the Board and reports within three business days any
unilateral termination of treatment. A Board-approved chaperon must be
present whenever he is in the presence of a female patient. Upon the
Board's receipt of reliable information of any failure by Dr. Sarner to
comply with any part of this Order, his license to practice medicine and
surgery in New Jersey will be immediately and automatically suspended.
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 21, 2001
Sinha, Binod P., M.D., License No. 42572
SUPPLEMENTAL ORDER filed June 28, 2001 At its June meeting, the Board
reviewed respondent's request to return to active practice. The Board
noted Dr. Sinha's compliance with the requirements of the November 22,
2000 Final Decision and Order. All terms of the Order of November 11,
2000 will remain in full force and effect. This Order terminates the
active suspension and allows respondent to return to the active practice
of medicine during his period of probation subject to conditions. He
must provide the Board with the name and title of a plenary licensed
physician, who will serve as his supervisor for the overall management
of the Department of Anesthesia, and will assess Dr. Sinha's competency
while working at any hospital at which he has privileges. The
supervising physician will report quarterly to the Board as specified
and report promptly to the Board of any performance problems. EFFECTIVE
DATE: June 28, 2001
August 2001
Garofalo, James L., M.D., License No. 16035
ORDER REMOVING LICENSURE RESTRICTIONS filed August 29, 2001. Dr.
Garofalo submitted a request to the Board for removal of the
restrictions on his medical license as enumerated in the Supplemental
Consent Order filed on April 30, 1999. Pursuant to that Order, he had
been directed to continue to employ a licensed health care professional
approved by the Board to act as a monitor in Dr. Garofalo's medical
office. The monitor would be required to provide the Board with written
monthly reports regarding sterilization and sanitary procedures utilized
by the respondent, specifically including the re-use of disposable
plastic syringes, and the adherence to the expiration dates of the
medications located in his medical office. He was also directed to
continue to maintain a daily log of his injections of any medications
which would be sent to the Board with the monitor's monthly report. In
addition, respondent was directed to continue to pay the costs of
periodic, unannounced inspections, including but not limited to review
of medical records, by the Enforcement Bureau of the Division of
Consumer Affairs. The Board has considered Dr. Garofalo's request and
ordered that all restrictions on his license to practice medicine and
surgery in the State of New Jersey be removed. EFFECTIVE DATE: August
29, 2001
September 2001
Block, Michael G., M.D., License No. 27218
ORDER OF REINSTATEMENT OF LICENSE filed August 31, 2001 Dr. Block's
license to practice medicine in the State of New Jersey is reinstated.
On February 22, 1999, an Initial Decision/Settlement and Order were
filed which suspended Dr. Block's license for three months and required
successful completion of an ethics course and payment of penalties and
costs. The conduct which formed the basis for the Order involved, but
was not limited to, multiple instances of false statements to insurance
companies which enabled this physician to obtain disability benefits.
Based on his compliance with the terms of the Board's order, his license
has been reinstated. EFFECTIVE DATE: August 31, 2001
Sayed, Saquib Bashir, M.D., License No. MA73086
CONSENT ORDER OF LIMITED LICENSURE filed September 8, 2001 In
response to questions on his application for licensure, Dr. Sayed
disclosed that while residing in Minnesota and Kentucky, he had been
arrested and charged twice for Driving Under the Influence and also
arrests for domestic violence. Additional information revealed he
entered an alcohol rehabilitation program in March 1997 and participated
in the Kentucky Impaired Physicians' Program. In July 1997, he agreed to
be monitored by the Kentucky Board of Medical Examiners. In November
1998, he was suspended by the Kentucky Board and subsequently entered
into a July 26, 2001 Agreed Order of Permanent Surrender of his Kentucky
medical license. The Board also considered his four years of documented
sobriety, his active involvement with the New Jersey Physicians Health
Program (PHP), his participation in AA, urine specimens all negative, a
neuropsychological assessment and a report from his psychiatrist. The
Board ordered that Dr. Sayed shall be granted a license to practice
medicine limited to a Board-approved supervised setting. His supervisor
must provide quarterly reports to the Board and report immediately any
conduct indicative of relapse. He must enroll in the PHP and comply with
the monitoring program including random, direct-witnessed, unannounced
urine monitoring once per week with any positive results reported
immediately to the Board. PHP to report quarterly to the Board.
Respondent must engage in substance abuse counseling and mental health
counseling with a Board-approved psychiatrist who will report quarterly
to the Board regarding Dr. Sayed's attendance and progress. He may not
prescribe or dispense CDS for himself nor shall he possess such
substances except pursuant to a bona fide prescription written by a
physician/dentist for good medical/dental cause with a written report
submitted to the Board and PHP. Dr. Sayed's continued licensure is
contingent upon strict compliance with all conditions. He may apply for
modification of the terms/conditions of this Order no sooner than one
year from entry.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 8, 2001
Shin, Scott Heejoon, D.O., License No. MB66672
ORDER GRANTING UNRESTRICTED LICENSURE filed August 19, 2001 The
Board received information that on April 20, 2000 in Washington
Township, New Jersey, Dr. Shin had pled guilty to a charge of
terroristic threats, third degree. In a Consent Order filed March 30,
2001, Dr. Shin was reprimanded for having committed a crime relating
adversely to the activity regulated by the Board and was directed to
enroll with the Physicians Health Program. On June 27, 2001, Dr. Shin
appeared before a committee of the Board and petitioned for unrestricted
licensure. The Board was satisfied that respondent had been totally
compliant with the Consent Order dated March 30, 2001 and should not be
subjected to any further supervision or monitoring by the Physicians
Health Program. The Board ordered Dr. Shin be granted an unrestricted
license to practice medicine and surgery in New Jersey. EFFECTIVE DATE:
August 19, 2001
Kellogg, William T., M.D., License No. MA32321
ORDER REINSTATING LICENSURE WITH CONDITIONS filed October 24, 2001
Respondent petitioned the Board for reinstatement of his medical
license, which had been revoked by Board order on May 3, 1995. On March
2, 2000, a Supplemental Order Restoring Limited Licensure to Participate
in Anterior Segment and Refractive Surgery Fellowship Program at New
Jersey Eye Center was filed with the Board. The Board reviewed all
available documentation and was satisfied that cause existed to grant
his petition based on his demonstrated compliance with all conditions
placed upon him in the May 3, 1995 Board Order. The Board ordered Dr.
Kellogg's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New
Jersey be reinstated, conditioned upon his compliance with the new terms
and conditions specified. He must participate and successfully complete
the follow-up phase of the Colorado Personalized Education for
Physicians Program (CPEP) documentation seminar. He must make all
patient records which he maintains available to inspection and review by
the Board every three months after he resumes any medical practice in
the State of New Jersey and at six month intervals thereafter. He must
meet with the Medical Director of the Board as may be deemed necessary
to discuss any issues or concerns identified during the Board's review
of his patient charts. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 24, 2001
Sharma, Anil K., M.D. License No. 63404
ORDER GRANTING UNRESTRICTED LICENSURE filed September 10, 2001 Dr.
Sharma petitioned the Board for an unrestricted license to practice
medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey. In April 1999,
respondent entered into a Consent Order of Voluntary Surrender of
Licensure based upon his admitted substance abuse problem. In November
1999, respondent entered into a Consent Order reinstating his license
with extensive restrictions. In August 2000, Dr. Sharma entered another
Consent Order modifying some of the restrictions of the previous Order.
Respondent appeared before a Preliminary Evaluation Committee of Board
in conjunction with his petition for unrestricted license. The
Physicians Health Program supported his petition attesting to his
recovery and successful participation in their monitoring program and
total compliance with his recovery regimen. The Board ordered that Dr.
Sharma be granted an unrestricted license to practice medicine and
surgery in the State of New Jersey.
Sperling, Howard J. License No. 42924
REVISED INTERIM CONSENT ORDER filed September 19, 2002 On May 23, 2002, Dr. Sperling, accompanied by a representative of the Physician's Health Program (PHP) appeared before a Committee of the Board in conjunction with his petition for the modification of the March 2, 2001 Consent Order as it pertained to the preclusion from prescribing or dispensing any Controlled Dangerous Substances (C.D.S.). Dr. Sperling testified that total prohibition of prescribing privileges presents a hardship to him personally and impairs his ability to provide adequate treatment to his patients. The Board is aware of the difficulties encountered by the doctor. Nonetheless, the Board finds that total restoration of his prescribing privileges can only be had after proof of re-education in accepted standards of medical practice pertaining to prescribing. The Board reviewed all information and is satisfied that Dr. Sperling has demonstrated his present fitness to practice and has complied with the March 2, 2001 Consent Order. The Board ordered the March 2, 2001 Order be modified subject to the following conditions: Dr. Sperling's C.D.S. prescribing privileges for Schedule III, IV and V are restored contingent upon his agreement to enroll in and successfully complete a course in the proper prescribing of C.D.S. , approved by the Board, within 12 months from the entry date of the Order. Schedule II prescribing remains prohibited pending further order of the Board. Respondent is granted leave to apply for Schedule II privileges after completing the course which shall necessitate an appearance before a Board Committee. Other conditions contained in this Order are: maintain absolute abstinence from all psychoactive substances, unless any such substances are prescribed by a treating physician for a documented medical condition; continued participation in weekly aftercare sessions of Seabrook House, until such time as his aftercare counselor and the Medical Director of the PHP both agree that treatment is concluded; twice weekly random urine screens conducted by the PHP for the first six months following the entry of the Order of March 2, 2001, and weekly screens thereafter for a period of not less than one year; continued documented attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous; continued participation with the PHP with quarterly reports to the Board regarding his participation and immediate notification of any failure to comply with the conditions of this Order or evidence of relapse. EFFECTIVE DATE: September 19, 2001.
November 2001
CHAMBERS, Bryan P., M.D., License #62016
MODIFIED CONSENT ORDER OF RESTRICTED LICENSURE filed October 15, 2001 On
April 4, 2001, Dr. Chambers appeared before a committee of the Board
accompanied by Dr. David Canavan, Medical Director Emeritus of the
Physicians Health Program (PHP), to petition the Board to permit him to
practice anesthesia at the Hahnemann Hospital under supervision. He
testified he will remain in this supervised setting, for a period
determined by his supervisor, where he could have his anesthesia skills
re-honed prior to returning to private practice. Despite his
restoration of license in January 2000, Dr. Chambers has not engaged in
the practice of medicine since his January 1997 surrender of licensure.
Dr. Canavan testified Dr. Chambers has been fully compliant with prior
Board orders, maintained absolute abstinence from mood altering
chemicals and complied with random urine monitoring. The Board
considered all relevant information and ordered that Dr. Chambers be
permitted to practice anesthesia only in a supervised setting at
Hahnemann University Hospital. Dr. Chambers will continue to undergo
random urine monitoring by the PHP, continue his attendance at support
groups, and continue psychotherapy, until further order of the Board, on
a schedule to be determined by his therapist. PHP to report quarterly
to the Board and immediately report any evidence of non-compliance with
this Order or any evidence of relapse. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 15, 2001
ELLIS, Kent R., M.D., License #MA46337
CONSENT ORDER GRANTING RESTRICTED LICENSURE filed September 12, 2001
On March 29, 2001, a Consent Order was filed with the Board wherein Dr. Ellis voluntarily surrendered his license to practice medicine and surgery due to a substance abuse problem. Pursuant to his petition for restoration of his license, he appeared before a committee of the Board accompanied by a representative of the Physicians Health Program (PHP) of the Medical Society of New Jersey. Dr. Ellis had completed a five-day detoxification program and then successfully completed a long-term in-patient treatment program at the Farley Center in Williamsburg, Virginia. Proof submitted pursuant to his petition for restoration demonstrated he achieved a substantial period of drug free sobriety and appeared to have been totally compliant with the requirements of the PHP. The Board has ordered that Dr. Ellis' license be restored with restrictions. He may apply for reinstatement of his CDS and DEA registrations. He must refrain from any psychoactive substances, must attend AA/NA meetings, must continue weekly attendance at an aftercare program, must submit to random urine monitoring, must meet monthly with a representative of the PHP until the conclusion of his first year of practice. The PHP is to report quarterly concerning his compliance and immediately if evidence of relapse, positive urine screens or failure to comply with his aftercare program. He must appear before a committee of the Board no sooner than one year from the date of entry of the Order. He may seek modification of this Order at the time of his appearance.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 12, 2001
RIENZO, Francis G., M.D., License #MA56451
CONSENT ORDER GRANTING RESTRICTED LICENSURE filed September 12, 2001 A
Consent Order of Voluntary Surrender of Licensure was filed January 16,
2001 with the Board of Medical Examiners after Dr. Rienzo had been
arrested and criminally charged with controlled substance violations.
He successfully completed a Pretrial Intervention Program and completed
a three month course of treatment for his addiction. Since his
discharge, he actively participated with the Physicians Health Program
(PHP). He petitioned the Board for restoration of his license and
submitted proof of his compliance with the requirements of the PHP, and
a report from his psychologist. The Board ordered that Dr. Rienzo's
license be restored subject to restrictions. He may apply for
reinstatement of his state and federal controlled dangerous substance
registrations. He must refrain from taking any psychoactive substances
unless these substances are prescribed by a treating physician for a
documented medical condition with notification first given to the PHP.
He must continue in aftercare with his psychologist and attend AA/NA
meetings at least three times per week. He must participate in random
urine monitoring supervised by the PHP and meet monthly with a PHP
representative. The PHP to report quarterly to the Board regarding his
compliance and report immediately if evidence of a relapse. He may
practice only three and a half days a week for the first six months
after which he may return to a full time schedule. He must appear
before a committee of the Board no earlier than one year from the date
of entry of this Order to discuss his participation with the PHP, his
compliance with the restrictions, and the status of his recovery from
substance abuse. He may seek modification of this order at the time of
that appearance. EFFECTIVE DATE: September 12, 2001
KORZENIOWSKI, Philip A., M.D., License #59875
CONSENT ORDER GRANTING RESTRICTED LICENSURE filed November 14, 2001
Dr. Korzeniowski petitioned the Board for restoration of his license to practice medicine. Pursuant to a Consent Order of Voluntary Surrender filed May 9, 2001, Dr. Korzeniowski had voluntarily surrendered his license due to his relapse into substance abuse of controlled dangerous substances. The Board reviewed submissions from the Physicians Health Program and Dr. Korzeniowski's discharge summary report from Talbott Recovery Campus and the sworn testimony of Dr. Korzeniowski and Dr. Baxter from the Physicians Health Program(PHP). The Board ordered that Dr. Korzeniowski's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey be restored subject to restrictions. He may apply for reinstatement of his state and federal controlled dangerous substance registrations. He must refrain from any psychoactive substances unless prescribed by a treating physician for a documented medical condition and only after notification if first given to the PHP. He must participate in random urine monitoring supervised by the PHP and meet monthly with a PHP representative. He must attend AA meetings at least three times per week. He must continue in psychotherapy until such time as it is agreed treatment is no longer necessary. In no event should treatment be discontinued sooner than one year from resumption of practice. His therapist must report quarterly to the Board. He must begin regular attendance at family therapy sessions with quarterly reports to the Board. PHP to report quarterly to the Board regarding Dr. Korzeniowski's compliance and immediately
report to the Board any relapse, positive urine screens or failure to
comply with his aftercare program. His employer must report quarterly
to the Board regarding compliance with this Order and immediately notify
the Board if evidence of relapse or failure to comply with his aftercare
program. May seek modification of the provisions no sooner than one
year from the date on which he commences practice. EFFECTIVE DATE:
November 14, 2001
December 2001
BARTUCCI, Richard David, D.O., License #MB36314
ORDER OF LIMITED REINSTATEMENT filed September 12, 2001 Dr. Bartucci
petitioned the Board for restoration of his medical license which had
been revoked by Board Order dated November 11, 1996 after the Board
conducted a hearing and found that Dr. Bartucci's conviction for
endangering the welfare of a child provided the basis for disciplinary
sanction. Dr. Bartucci's 1996 petition for restoration of his license
was denied by the Board after it concluded that Dr. Bartucci did not
appear to fully perceive the nature of his psychiatric problems. The
Board did grant him the ability to reapply for reinstatement if he
underwent at least one year of thorough individual psychiatric
treatment. In conjunction with his petition, Dr. Bartucci appeared and
testified before a committee of the Board. He explained he had been
unable to comply with the Board's directive that he undergo one year of
individual psychiatric treatment because of financial constraints.
However, he has participated in group therapy under the care of a
clinical psychologist for more than seven years. Dr. David Canavan,
Medical Director Emeritus of the Physicians Health Program of the New
Jersey Medical Society, who supports Dr. Bartucci's request for
restoration, testified that Dr. Bartucci has been an active member of
the PHP since October 1992 and believes he is progressing well in his
recovery. The Board ordered that Dr. Bartucci's license be restored
subject to the prerequisite and conditions contained in this Order.
Prior to restoration of his license, he must successfully complete and
pass a Board-approved Family Practice review course. He must also take
and pass the SPEX examination administered through the Federation of
State Medical Boards. Once restored, he will only be allowed to
practice in an institutional setting with his practice limited to adults
only. He must retain a New Jersey licensed nurse or physician assistant
to act as a full time chaperone to accompany him at all times when he
is actively involved in direct patient care. The chaperone will be
required to report immediately to the Board any instances where Dr.
Bartucci has engaged in direct patient care when the chaperone was not
present or has undertaken the treatment of minors. He must continue to
meet with the Physicians Health Program which will submit semi-annual
reports documenting his progress and immediately report to the Board any
indication of relapse or non-compliance. He must continue to attend
weekly group therapy sessions with his clinical psychologist who will
report semi-annually to the Board and immediately report any
discontinuance of therapy, failure to comply with significant treatment
recommendations or any information or evidence suggestive he has engaged
in inappropriate behavior. He must appear before a committee of the
Board two years after restoration for a reassessment of his treatment
and professional practice. EFFECTIVE DATE: September 12, 2001
CHANG, Owen A., M.D., License #MA16885
CONSENT ORDER RESTORING LICENSURE WITH CONTINUING CONDITIONS filed
October 16, 2001 In January 1992, Dr. Chang entered into a Consent Order
with the Board wherein his license to practice medicine and surgery in
the State of New Jersey was suspended for a period of no less than five
years. He was required to continue participation with the Physicians
Health Program of the Medical Society of New Jersey. The suspension was
based on Dr. Chang's having been arrested and criminally charged for
conducting an inappropriate physical examination of a female patient.
In February 1993, Dr. Chang pled guilty to two counts of criminal sexual
contact, was convicted and sentenced to five years probation and
community service. He was also required to continue to receive
psychiatric or psychological treatment and attend AA sessions. In
August 1999, he appeared before a committee of the Board to petition for
reinstatement of his medical license. Dr. Louis Baxter, Medical
Director of the Physicians Health Program of the Medical Society of New
Jersey, supported his petition for restoration of his license with
conditions. The Board required Dr. Chang provide documentation of his
satisfactory completion of all terms and conditions associated with his
criminal conviction, satisfactory completion of CME courses for the past
five years and proof he successfully passed the SPEX examination.
Additionally he was required to undergo an independent evaluation
regarding sexual impulse disorder. The Board has ordered that Dr.
Chang's license to practice medicine and surgery in New Jersey be
reinstated subject to conditions. His practice is restricted to male
patients only. He may practice only while a Board-approved on-site
monitor is present who is fully informed of his history and who will
report monthly as to his treating male patients only and as to his
conduct regarding female staff while he is engaged in the practice of
medicine. He must submit for Board approval the names of physicians to
serve as his on-site monitor. He must continue in psychotherapy for as
long as he is engaged in the practice of medicine. He must submit for
Board approval the names of physicians who will serve as his continuing
therapist. He must continue abstinence from alcohol and all other
psychoactive substances. He must continue with quarterly visits with
staff of the Physicians Health Program. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 18,
2001
DANKE, Peter J., Physician Assistant, #MP00269
ORDER OF LIMITED LICENSURE filed November 16, 2001
The Board received notification from the Physicians Health Program (PHP) that Peter Danke, a physician assistant, who had been a PHP participant, had relapsed in his use of mood altering chemicals. On January 25, 2001, a Consent Order of Voluntary Surrender was filed with the Board wherein Mr. Danke surrendered his license to practice as a physician assistant in this State. On August 22, 2001, Mr. Danke appeared before a committee of the Board to discuss his readiness and competence to reenter practice as a physician assistant. The Board ordered that Mr. Danke's physician assistant's license be reinstated subject to restrictions. He must maintain absolute abstinence from all psychoactive substances unless prescribed by a treating physician for a documented medical condition with notification to the PHP. He must continue random urine monitoring. He must continue his involvement with the First Steps to Recovery Program in New York or an equivalent program approved by the Board. The PHP will report quarterly to the Board concerning his participation and compliance and immediately notify the Board if evidence of relapse or non-compliance. Failure to comply with the terms of this order may result in the automatic revocation of his license to practice as a physician assistant in this State.
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 16, 2001
* * * * CORRECTION NOTICE * * * *
ELLIS, Kent R., M.D., License #MA46337
CONSENT ORDER GRANTING RESTRICTED LICENSURE filed September 12, 2001 On
March 29, 2001, a Consent Order was filed with the Board wherein Dr.
Ellis voluntarily surrendered his license to practice medicine and
surgery due to a substance abuse problem. Pursuant to his petition for
restoration of his license, he appeared before a committee of the Board
accompanied by a representative of the Physicians Health Program (PHP)
of the Medical Society of New Jersey. Dr. Ellis had completed a
five-day detoxification program and then successfully completed a
long-term in-patient treatment program at the Farley Center in
Williamsburg, Virginia. Proof submitted pursuant to his petition for
restoration demonstrates that during the period of voluntary surrender
of his license, he achieved a substantial period of drug free sobriety
and appears to have been totally compliant with the requirements of the
PHP. The Board ordered Dr. Ellis' license be restored with
restrictions. He may apply for reinstatement of his CDS and DEA
registrations. He must refrain from any psychoactive substances, attend
AA/NA meetings, will continue weekly attendance at an aftercare program,
must submit to random urine monitoring, must meet monthly with a
representative of the PHP until the conclusion of his first year of
practice. The PHP is to report quarterly concerning his compliance and
immediately notify the Board of evidence of relapse, positive urine
screens or failure to comply with his aftercare program. He must appear
before a committee of the Board no sooner than one year from the date of
entry of the Order. He may seek modification of this Order at the time
of his appearance. Entry of this order is without prejudice to further
action being taken by this Board or other law enforcement entities
resulting from Dr. Ellis' conduct prior to entry of this Order.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 12, 2001
December 2001
Eckman Funeral Home, Spotswood, N.J. Registration No. JB00480
The unlicensed owner of the funeral home admitted to making preneed and
at-need funeral arrangements and signing her own name or the name of the
licensed manager to various documents. Respondent also failed to have
the consumer sign the Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected
and allowed the funeral home registration to lapse. Lastly, the use of
forms was not in compliance with Board regulations and there was a
failing inspection for the facility. Consent Order filed with the Board
on December 26, 2001 providing for the suspension of the funeral home
registration for six years, with the first 60 days as active suspension
and the remaining period to be served as probation, with a penalty of
$60,000.
January 2001
1) Hilda Sanchez Bautista, CHHA, NH 62694; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relating adversely to CHHA practice (Shoplifting) Final Order of Discipline suspending certificate for six months and then six months probationary period (this order was filed 1/24/01).
2) Frances Pineda, RN, NR 62967; professional misconduct in that she failed to account for and/or misappropriated controlled substances. Final Consent Order suspending license for five years effective June, 2000, may petition for reinstatement after three years (this order was filed 1/18/01).
February 2001
3) Nancy Gerhardt, RN, NO 116708; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective September 21, 2000, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 2/2/01).
4) Paula E. Ruggiero, RN, NO 116062; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective November 6, 2000, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 2/2/01).
5) Barbara Slater, LPN, NP 52524; professional misconduct in that she obtained prescriptions without authorization for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license for two years effective June 2000, pay costs, may petition for limited practice prior to that time, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 2/2/01).
March 2001
6) Linda Barolin, RN, NO 112686; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 3/2/01).
7) Valerie Bryant, CHHA, NH 47320; occupational misconduct in that she disposed of drugs in an unauthorized matter. Final Order of Discipline suspending certificate with provisions for petitioning for reinstatement after one year (this order was filed 3/1/01).
8) Cynthia L. Christensen, RN, NR 87636; professional misconduct in that she obtained prescriptions without authorization for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license for five years effective January 29, 2001, pay costs, may petition for reinstatement after three years (this order was filed 3/2/01).
9) Marie A. Constantino, RN, NO 82311; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective October 12, 2001, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 3/1/01).
10) Alyson Gill, RN, NO 96363; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relating adversely to the practice of nursing (obtaining controlled dangerous substances by fraud). Final Order of Discipline suspending license for two years, may petition for reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 3/2/01).
11) Joan R. Lacey, RN, NO 45056; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relating adversely to the practice of nursing (Theft by deception). Final Order of Discipline suspending license retroactively effective on April 1, 1999 and terminating on March 14, 2001 having satisfied all terms of probation, after which she may apply for reinstatement (this order was filed 3/4/01).
12) Antoinette Marra, CHHA, NH 44603; the use of dishonesty, fraud or misrepresentation in that she falsified records for the purpose of obtaining payment for services that were not rendered. Final Order of Discipline suspending certificate for one year after which she may apply for reinstatement (this order was filed 3/4/01).
13) Sean Ogden, RN, NO 117403; professional misconduct in that he misappropriated controlled substances for his own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective January 31, 2001, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 3/1/01).
14) Lisa Plotts, RN, NO 119857; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective September 27, 2000, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 3/1/01).
15) Kathleen M. Ronan, RN, NO 121463; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective December 5, 2000, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 3/1/01).
16) Kathleen Sanderlin, RN, NO 108461; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 3/1/01).
17) Ann M. Shea, RN, NO 118052; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective November 27, 2000, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 3/1/01).
April 2001
18) Debra Besack, RN, NO 106609; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective January 13, 2001, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 4/9/01).
19) Clifford Elrath, RN, NO 82491; failed to comply with the terms of the reinstatement order in that he did not follow accepted standards of nursing practice and failed to notify the Board of his termination and/or resignation. Final Order of Discipline suspending license for remaining period of probation to September 11, 2002, may petition for reinstatement of license (this order was filed 4/9/01).
20) Anne Marie Hall, RN, NR 20770; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated chemical substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license for five years effective November 29, 2000,pay costs, may petition for reinstatement after three years (this order was filed 4/9/01).
21) Deborah King, LPN, NP 40020; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective April 19, 2000, pay costs, may petition for reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 4/9/01).
22) Gina Richardson, RN, NO 83501; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated controlled substances for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective January 17, 2001, may petition for limited practice, pays costs, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 4/9/01).
May 2001
23) Stephanie Bonnell, RN, NO 114616; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated a controlled substance for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective January 8, 2001, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 5/16/01).
24) Latitia Bunch, LPN, NP 48176; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated a controlled substance for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective December 20, 2000, pay costs, may petition for reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 5/7/01).
25) Lucinda Conover, CHHA, NH 62320; the use of fraud, dishonesty, deception and misrepresentation in that she handed in false time sheets for services she did not provide. Final Order of Discipline suspending certificate for one year, at the conclusion of one year she may apply for reinstatement (this order was filed 5/7/01).
26) Deborah Galipean, LPN, NP 25341; failed to notify the New Jersey Board of Nursing in writing of her change of address and failed to provide a timely response to a written investigative demand. Final Order of Discipline suspending license until she provides her current address and responds to the Demand for Written Statement Under Oath (this order was filed 5/7/01).
June 2001
27) Laura Conners, LPN, NP 52668; failed to notify the Board in writing of a change of address and professional misconduct in that she unlawfully removed a controlled substance from the hospital's narcotic supply for her own use. Final Order of Discipline suspending license until she can demonstrate fitness to practice (this order was filed 6/4/01).
28) Geraldine Ryan, RN, NO 84258; failed to notify the Board in writing of a change of address and professional misconduct in that she failed to have a witness for wastage of a controlled substance. Final Order of Discipline suspending license for an indefinite period until she can demonstrate fitness to practice (this order was filed 6/20/01).
29) Deborah Eksterowicz, LPN, NP 32122; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated a controlled substance for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license for two years effective March 3, 2001, pay costs, may petition for limited practice prior to that time, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 6/22/01).
30) James W. Alexander III, LPN, NP 50398; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (theft from a person). Final Order of Discipline suspending license until he has been discharged from the Intensive Supervision Program, may petition for reinstatement thereafter (this order was filed 6/25/01).
31) Dana Lyons, LPN, NP 39358; gross negligence in that she permitted a patient from where she was employed to spend a night at her residence. Final Order suspending license for two years with nine months credit for the period of time she voluntarily refrained from nursing practice, remedial education (this order was filed 6/25/01).
July 2001
32) Christopher Hunter, LPN, NP 45347; conviction of a crime involving a controlled dangerous substance. Final Order of Discipline suspending license for two years effective May 9, 2001, pay costs (this order was filed 7/17/01).
33) Jon Scott Sturtsman, RN, NR 40585; fraud, professional misconduct and violation of probation in connection with unlawful prescriptions. Final Order of Discipline suspending license pursuant to terms of October 20, 1999 Board Order (this order was filed 7/17/01).
34) William H. Millar, RN, NR 59666; multiple convictions of crimes and Pennsylvania disciplinary action in connection with drug diversion. Final Order of Discipline suspending license, may petition for reinstatement when he is reinstated in Pennsylvania (this order was filed 7/17/00).
35) Gloria Thomas Mc Nair, LPN, NO 37986; criminal conviction for defrauding Federal Government. Final Consent Order suspending license for one year, pay costs, ethics course (this order was filed 7/17/01).
August 2001
36) Michelle S. Grant, CHHA, NH 34340; criminal conviction of possession of controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute within 1000 ft. of a school. Final Order of Discipline suspending license until all terms of criminal probation are satisfied (this order was filed 8/21/01).
37) Mary T. Smith, CHHA, NH 29223; the use of fraud, deception and dishonesty in that she made unauthorized phone calls from a patient's home. Final Order of Discipline suspending certificate for three months or until she makes restitution (this order was filed 8/21/01).
38) Cassandra Taylor, CHHA, NH 50112; the use of fraud, deception and dishonesty in that she made unauthorized phone calls from a patient's home. Final Order of Discipline suspending certificate for three months (this order was filed 8/21/01).
39) Lawrence Novotny, RN, NO 90739; criminal conviction for peering, voyeurism in a hospital. Final Order of Discipline suspending license for two years, one year being active suspension, monitored employment upon reinstatement, compliance with terms of criminal probation (this order was filed 8/21/01).
September 2001
40) Pamela Harrell, RN, NO 68404; sister state action based on findings by the Texas Board of Nursing in that she was found guilty of being in possession of a controlled substance through use of a forged prescription. Final Order of Discipline indefinitely suspending license, may petition for reinstatement upon proof that her license has been reinstated in the state of Texas (this order was filed 9/12/01).
41) Cynthia Ruth Jones, RN, NR 62797; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated a controlled substance for her own use and failed to follow standards on charting controlled substances. Final Order of Discipline suspending license for two years effective March 3, 2001, pay costs, may petition for reinstatement thereafter (this order was filed 9/12/01).
October 2001
42) Beverly Ann Walcott, CHHA, NH 41904; the use of deception, fraud and dishonesty in that she left the home of a client without notice, did not pay for a telephone bill for personal calls she made or a mail item she ordered on the client's account . Final Order of Discipline suspending certificate for three months (this order was filed 10/17/01).
43) David W. Jones, LPN, NE 5076; professional misconduct in that he violated the terms of his probation by testing positive for CDS. Final Consent Order suspending license, may petition for reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 10/17/01).
44) Kathleen Jermyn, RN, NO 115100; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated a controlled substance for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective May 30, 2001, pay costs, may petition for reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 10/11/01).
45) Leslie Boone, RN, NO 111326; professional misconduct in that misappropriated a controlled substance for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective June 6, 2001, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 10/11/01).
November 2001
46) Blandina F. Ty, RN, NO 107258; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated a controlled substance for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license effective June 11, 2001, pay costs, may petition for limited practice, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 11/15/01).
47) Andrea Latawiec, RN, NO 108608; failure to comply with the return to work agreement in that she tested positive for the presence of alcohol. Final Consent Order suspending license for two years effective October 4, 2001, may petition for limited practice prior to that time, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 11/5/01).
48) Patrice Bulger, RN, NO 123477; professional misconduct in that she misappropriated a controlled substance for her own use. Final Consent Order suspending license for two years effective July 31, 2001, pay costs, may petition for limited practice prior to that time, or full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 11/5/01).
Deceber 2001
49) Cheryl Sesay, LPN, NP 44104; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relates adversely to the practice of nursing (possession with intent to distribute CDS). Final Order of Discipline suspending license for two years or until she completes all terms of the Intensive Supervision Program (this order was filed 12/7/01).
50) Lori Elia-Raggio, LPN, NP 48546; convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude and/or relates adversely to the practice of nursing (conspiracy and theft by unlawful taking). Final Order of Discipline suspending license for two years or until she completes all terms of probation/parole, may apply for reinstatement after one year (this order was filed 12/7/01).
51) Barbara Garofalo, CHHA NH 42955; the use of dishonesty, fraud, deception and misrepresentation in that she falsified time sheets. Final Order of Discipline suspending certificate for three months (this order was filed 12/26/01).
January 2001
1) Kenneth Atkins, CHHA, NH 48419; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relating adversely to CHHA practice (Arson). Final Order of Discipline revoking certification (this order was filed 1/19/01).
2) Olakunle D. Majoyeogbe (aka Kudirat Majoyeogbe), CHHA, NH 47922; obtained certification through fraud, deception or misrepresentation. Final Order of Discipline revoking certification, permitted to make an application under lawful name and $50.00 penalty (this order was file 1/19/00).
3) Beatriz Rodriguez, CHHA, NH 53575; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relating adversely to CHHA practice (Theft). Final Order of Discipline revoking certification (this order was filed 1/19/01).
4) Agueda Sanchez, CHHA, NH 61244; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relating adversely to CHHA practice (Shoplifting). Final Order of Discipline revoking certification with leave to request reinstatement after six months (this order was filed 1/24/01).
February 2001
5) Patricia Sereno, RN, LPN, NO 109587, NP 27872; the use of fraud, deception, dishonesty and misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining unlawful prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances for her own use. Final Decision and Order revoking license (this order was filed 2/21/01).
March 2001
6) Cecelia Marie McCaffrey, RN, NO 108612; professional misconduct in that she worked as a nursing supervisor after she had voluntarily surrendered her nursing license to the Board of Nursing on June 5, 2000. Final Order of Discipline revoking license, pay costs, may not seek reinstatement prior to December 18, 2003 (this order was filed 3/2/01).
May 2001
7) Lorraine Baran Di Criscio, CHHA, NH 42042; professional misconduct in that she practiced out of the scope of her certification. Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 5/7/01).
8) Daniel Cascio, RN, NO 113694; professional misconduct in that he failed to fulfill his responsibilities as a nurse. Final Consent Order revoking license (this order was filed 5/7/01).
9) Kelli Keller, CHHA, NH 13629; the use of fraud, dishonesty, deception and misrepresentation in that she represented herself and obtained employment as a licensed practical nurse when she did not hold such license. Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate and denying application for LPN (this order was filed 5/7/01).
June 2001
10) Kelly Kay Alcaide, LPN, NP 45131; failed to notify the Board in writing of a change of address and the use of fraud, deception, dishonesty and misrepresentation in that she misappropriated checks for her own use. Final Order of Discipline revoking license, pay costs (this order was filed 6/4/01).
July 2001
11) Neonita Sabate, RN, NR 68621; conviction of crime involving abuse of a child in her care, professional misconduct and lack of good moral character. Final Order of Discipline revoking license (this order was filed 7/7/01).
12) Anthony Zukowski, LPN, NP 36180; inappropriate physical contact with a patient. Final Consent Order permanently surrendering license (this order was filed 7/17/01).
13) Jude Ricciardi, CHHA, NH 16602; fraud and misrepresentation by practicing as a licensed practical nurse. Final Consent Order revoking certificate, pay costs (this order was filed 7/17/01).
August 2001
14) Shirley M. Comrie, CHHA, NB 1913; failure to respond to inquiry regarding patient abuse misconduct. Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 8/21/01).
15) Maryanne D. Vece, RN, NO 67897; failure to renew license, failure to respond to Board inquiry and failure to change address of record. Final Order of Discipline revoking license, $2,000 penalty (this order was filed 8/21/01).
16) Tanisha Calderone, CHHA, NH 58454; the use of fraud, dishonesty and deception in that she misrepresented work in patient's home on her time sheets. Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 8/21/01).
September 2001
17) Diane Fleury, RN, NO 100273; professional misconduct in that she engaged in un-licensed practice and violated a Board Order. Final Order of Discipline revoking license, may not apply for reinstatement before five years, pay costs (this order was filed 9/12/01).
October 2001
18) Sharon T. Whitmore, CHHA, NH 24927; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relates adversely to nursing (theft) and is a disqualifying crime for certified homemaker-home health aides. Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 10/17/01).
19) Faye W. Wood, CHHA, NH 55249; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relates adversely to nursing (theft/receipt of a credit card) and is a disqualifying crime for certified homemaker-home health aides . Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 10/17/01).
20) Judy C. Bowick, CHHA, NH 45391; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relates adversely to nursing (possession of CDS) and is a disqualifying crime for certified homemaker-home health aides. Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 10/17/01).
21) Lisa Morelos, RN, NO 87331; the use of fraud, deception, dishonesty and professional misconduct in that she misappropriated prescription blanks in order to obtain CDS and was the subject of prior Board action. Final Order of Discipline revoking license, pay costs (this order was filed 10/17/01).
22) Deborah Haviland, LPN, NP 23344; gross negligence in that she failed to assess, follow- up, monitor and prepare an incident report for a resident. Final Consent Order revoking license effective January 19, 2001, may petition for reinstatement after one year (this order was filed 10/11/01).
December 2001
23) Lisa Tarasevich, LPN, NE 8528; failure to notify the Board of a change of address within 30 days and convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relates to nursing (aggravated assault). Final Order of Discipline revoking license (this order was filed 12/7/01).
24) Denise Matura, CHHA, NH 39270; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and convicted of a disqualifying crime for homemaker-home health aides (use of paraphernalia and manufacture, distribution and dispensing of CDS). Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 12/7/01).
25) Alvest Williams, CHHA, NH 56648, NB 7506; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or is a disqualifying crime for homemaker-home health aides (robbery). Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 12/26/01).
26) Hopal Davis, CHHA, NH 7391; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and is a disqualifying crime for certified home health aides (conspiracy to commit the crime of possession of CDS). Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 12/26/01).
27) Howard Brown, CHHA, NH 31702; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or is a disqualifying crime for home health aides (possession with intent to distribute CDS). Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 12/26/01).
28) Victoria Harrington, CHHA, NH 5305; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or is disqualifying crime for home-maker home health aides (conspiracy to commit theft and theft from the person). Final Order of Discipline revoking certificate (this order was filed 12/26/01).
29) Cheryl Lucia, LPN, NP 49793; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (burglary) and engaged in the use of fraud, deception and misrepresentation in that she failed to disclose the conviction on her license renewal. Final Order of Discipline revoking license (this order was filed12/26/01).
30) Smirna Olivera, LPN, NP 31555; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relates adversely to the practice of nursing (aggravated manslaughter). Final Order of Discipline revoking license (this order was filed 12/26/01).
31) Deborah A. Thompson, LPN, NP 36888; convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and/or relates adversely to the practice of nursing (obtaining CDS by fraud and attempt to obtain CDS by fraud). Final Order of Discipline revoking license, may petition for reinstatement (this order was filed 12/26/01).
FULL AND LIMITED REINSTATEMENTS
February 2001
32) Barbara Magro, RN, NO 106130; Second Amended Order granting stayed suspension of license for two years which shall be served as probation, may apply for full reinstatement on January 14, 2000, pay costs (this order was filed 2/2/01).
March 2001
33) Joseph Lance Thomas, RN, NO 101170; license reinstated on March 22, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 3/22/01).
April 2001
34) Steven Benjamin Lubin, RN, NR 82447; license permitted for renewal on April 9, 2001 (this order was filed 4/9/01).
May 2001
35) Alfredo Nadera, RN, NR 73317; license reinstated on May 15, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 5/15/01).
36) Thomas M. Mullarney, RN, NO 106278; license reinstated on May 15, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 5/15/01).
37) Karen Lutz, RN, NO 65749; license reinstated on May 15, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 5/15/01).
38) Elizabeth Coleman, RN, NO 92215; license reinstated on May 15, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 5/15/01).
June 2001
39) Christine Connelly, RN, NR 41007; license reinstated on June 11, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 6/11/01).
40) Kimberly F. Bell, RN, NO 82292; license reinstated on June 11, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 6/11/01).
September 2001
41) Eileen Pyper, RN, LPN, NO 77663, NP 29879; license reinstated on September 12, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 9/12/01).
42) Mary Powers, RN, NR 44032; Amended Final Consent Order granting stayed suspension of license for two years which shall be served as probation, may apply for full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 9/12/01).
October 2001
43) Thomas S. Rominiecki, RN, NO 112350; license reinstated on October 10, 2001 with a three year probation period (this order was filed 10/10/01).
44) Bola Ladeji, NP, LPN 50642; license reinstated on October 10, 2001 (this order was filed 10/10/01).
45) Theresa L. McDowell, LPN, NP 35309; license reinstated on October 31, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 10/31/01).
46) Nancy Gerhardt, RN, NO 116708; Amended Final Order granting stayed suspension of license for two years effective September 21, 2000 , one year being served as probation, pay costs, may petition for full reinstatement after one year (this order was filed 10/10/01).
47) Gloria Cossolini, LPN, NP 34309; Amended Final Order granting stayed suspension of license for two years effective April 9, 2001 which shall be served as probation, pay costs, may petition for full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 10/10/01).
48) Jodi Wallis, RN, NO 88194; Amended Final Order granting stayed suspension of license for two years effective October 25, 2000, one year served as probation, pay costs, may petition for full reinstatement after one year (this order was filed 10/10/01).
November 2001
49) Julianne Witiuk, RN, NO 79410; license reinstated on October 31, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 11/22/01).
50) Austin Murray, RN, NO 99447; license reinstated on November 2, 2001 with a two year probation period (this order was filed 11/2/01).
51) Danette Knutson, RN, NO 109942; license reinstated on November 30, 2001 with a two year probation (this order was filed 11/30/01).
48) Charles Abrokwah, RN, NO 114069; Amended Final Consent Order granting stayed suspension of license for two years effective May 16, 2001 which shall be served as probation, pay costs, may petition for full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 11/5/01).
December 2001
49) Elizabeth Mc Gee, RN, NO 74989; Amended Final Order granting stayed suspension of license for two years effective May 21, 2001 which shall be served as probation, may petition for full reinstatement after two years (this order was filed 12/14/01).
44) Carol Ann Valpone, RN, NO 105155; Amended Final Consent Order granting stayed suspension of license for the remaining period which shall be served as probation, may petition for reinstatement no sooner than February 16, 2003 (this order was filed 12/14/01).
45) Nancy Gerhardt, RN, NO 116708;Amended Final Order granting stayed suspension of license for two years effective September 21, 2000 on the remaining period, one year shall be served as probation, pay costs, may petition for reinstatement after one year of this order (this order was filed 12/14/01).
October 2001
Gilbert Rubin, O.D. License No. OA 1233
Consent Order based upon information from one of Dr. Rubin's patients
alleging that the doctor had vision problems and relied upon his staff
to read examination instruments. At the inquiry held by the Board,
respondent confirmed to the Board that his vision has deteriorated and
that he has wet macular degeneration as well as central scatoma.
Respondent volunteered to surrender his license. ORDERED: Respondent's
license to practice optometry shall be and hereby is voluntarily
surrendered effective immediately. Respondent shall permanently retire
from the practice of optometry. Respondent may continue to dispense any
eyeglass orders that he had previously submitted within the next 30
days, but he shall immediately cease and desist from dispensing contact
lenses. Respondent shall close or divest his interest in the practice
within 30 days of the entry of this order. Respondent is hereby assessed
the costs in the amount of $2,595.93. Filed and effective October 17,
2001.
February 2001
Mary S. Giarretta, RP, a/k/a/ Sue Ann Giarretta, RP; based on the receipt of information that respondent had been diverting Controlled Dangerous Substances for her own use from her employer, Crx Pharmacy, by writing fraudulent prescriptions in the name of others (filed and effective 2/15/01).
March 2001
Carol Macaulay, RP; based on the receipt of information that respondent had been diverting Controlled Dangerous Substances for her own use from her employer, CVS Pharmacy (filed and effective 3/1/01)
August 2001
Wesam M. Abdrabouh, R.P. Consent Order based upon information that respondent was arrested by the Freehold Police and criminally charged with Unlawful Possession of Prescription Legend Drugs and receiving Stolen Property, to wit: Valley Hospital New Jersey Prescription Blanks. Respondent admitted to the above-described conduct and acknowledged that it constitutes professional misconduct and the use of fraud or dishonesty contrary to N.J.S.A. 45:1- 21(b) and (e). Filed and effective July 6, 2001.
October 2001
M. Leanne McPherson, R.P. Consent Order based upon receipt of information that respondent has recently been chemically dependent and is currently receiving treatment for past substance abuse. Respondent wishes to voluntarily surrender her license. The Board ordered that her license be suspended. Filed and effective 10-10-01.
November, 2001
Suloch Babu, R.P. License No. RI 23013
t/a Rawal Drugs License No. RS 5475
Consent Order based upon respondent's numerous violations of the
statutes and regulations governing pharmacy in this state. Respondent's
permit is suspended for six months. All of said suspension shall be
stayed. Respondent shall also pay the civil penalty of $4925.00. Filed
and effective November 14, 2001.
Emad Mohamed, R.P. License No. RI 22417
Consent Order based upon receipt of information that respondent had been
diverting Viagara from his employer from December of 2000 through March
of 2001. Respondent's license is suspended and he shall pay for all
costs of the investigation. Filed and effective November 14, 2001.
April 2001
George Stillwill; Consent Order based upon information that respondent was found guilty on October 26, 2000 for facilitating the knowing and intentional distribution of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances; he was sentenced to four years incarceration with one year probation; this constitutes a crime of moral turpitude that relates adversely to the profession of pharmacy; license revoked; (filed and effective 4/26/01).
August 2001
Albert G. Krause, R.P. Consent Order based upon the receipt of an Enforcement Bureau investigation of Lesser's Drug Store and Albert G. Krause, the pharmacist in charge. Information from results of an audit of Lesser's active drug stock inventory showed significant overages or shortages occurring in an approximately one year period. In addition, the comparative analysis of prescriptions revealed the following: dispensings on prescriptions that were expired, dispensings for incorrect medications and/or strengths, dispensings of generics where directed to dispense as written, dispensings that exceeded the 30 day supply, prescriptions dispensed for customers for the same drugs prior to that customers' previous supply being exhausted and the prescriptions written for Schedule II controlled dangerous substances were not present in the pharmacy, although they were required to be on file. Respondent neither admitting nor denying these allegations, respondent's license has been revoked. Filed and effective August 16, 2001.
January 2001
Irin Risin, RP; Order of Surrender based on respondent being videotaped taking Xanax and drinking wine coolers while on duty as a pharmacist (filed and effective 01/02/01).
February 2001
James Brychta, RP; based upon information that respondent participated in a prescription forgery scam where Controlled Dangerous Substances were being regularly provided to a drug abuser (filed and effective 2/15/01).
July 2001
Laura Passaro, R.P.; Respondent's license had been previously suspended by Consent Order filed May 25, 2000. Respondent made request for reinstatement based upon making significant strides in her rehabilitation and presenting the documentation necessary to support her claim. The Board has ordered that her license be reinstated subject to conditions. Filed and effective July 3, 2001.
August 2001
Mark Chase, R.P.; Respondent's license to practice had been previously suspended by Consent Order August 25, 2000. Respondent made request for reinstatement based upon his making significant strides in rehabilitation and presenting supporting documentation. The Board has ordered that his license be reinstated effective August 22, 2001. Upon reinstatement, respondent's license shall be placed on probation for three years subject to conditions.
October 2001
Joseph De Marinis, Jr. License No. RI 13302
Respondent's license was revoked on July 26, 2000 with no right to
reinstatement prior to the termination of his criminal probation.
Respondent testified as to his remorse for his past conduct and has
produced an order modifying the criminal probation to conclude in July
of 2001. The Board has determined to reinstate respondent's license
subject to certain restrictions and conditions. Filed and effective
October 25, 2001.
January 2001
Peter Danke, P.A.; based upon information that respondent had relapsed in his use of mood-altering chemicals, his license was voluntarily surrendered (filed and effective 1-29-01).
January 2001
Paul J. Forti, Ph.D. License Number SI3071; Consent Order based on repeated acts of professional misconduct; Respondent assessed administrative costs of $2895; license revoked; Filed and effective January 3, 2001.
January 2001
Rodney W. Visser, S.C.G.R.E.A.; Consent Order based upon information that respondent engaged in fraudulent and misleading behavior in violation of N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(b) and N.J.A.C.13:40A-6.1 et. seq. Respondent also violated the recordkeeping requirements of the ethics provision of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) in violation of N.J.A.C. 13:40A6.1(b) and N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(c), by failing to prepare written records after performing three different appraisals. Respondent suspended two years, stayed to be served as a period of probation and public reprimand; $10,000 civil penalty ($7500 stayed); 15 credit USPAP course; $9441.48 costs. Filed and effective January 9, 2001.
February 2001
Joseph Paccione, License No. RC001198; Consent Order based upon the Provisional Order of Discipline dated March 14, 2000, respondent's license to practice real estate appraisal shall be suspended as of November 14, 2000 for a period of five years. Two years shall be served as a period of active suspension and the remainder shall be stayed as a period of probation. Respondent also given a $10,000 civil penalty; $5939.37 costs; 15 credit USPAP course. Filed and effective February 13, 2001.
April 2001
John Sicora, License No. RC 00378; Final Order of Discipline based upon information that respondent was convicted of bank fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States in United States District Court in the District of New Jersey, Camden, New Jersey. Respondent was found guilty on both counts on June 14, 2000. Conviction of respondent provides grounds for the revocation of respondent's certification to practice in State and $2500 civil penalty. Filed and effective April 10, 2001.
Roland J. Pierson, License No. RA002142; Final Order of Discipline based upon respondent's guilty plea to having created fraudulent and inflated appraisals to further the efforts of co-conspirators who engaged in fraudulent real estate transactions throughout the State from 1995 to 1997. Respondent was sentenced to five years probation. This conviction was grounds for the revocation of respondent's license to practice real estate appraisal in the State pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(f), in that the crime was one of moral turpitude and relates adversely to the practice of real estate appraisal. Filed and effective April 10, 2001.
July
Andrew G. Churney, License No. 01341; Final Order of Discipline based upon respondent's failure to cooperate with Board investigations in violation of N.J.S.A. 45:1-18 and N.J.A.C. 13:45C-1.2. Respondent's certification, already suspended pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-7.2 for his failure to renew, was to remain suspended until he cooperated with the Board's investigation. A civil penalty of $500 was also imposed. Filed and effective July 31, 2000.
Dennis Angelo, License No. RA974
based upon the receipt of information that respondent pled guilty in
1997 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and tax evasion, both of which
are crimes that involve moral turpitude and relate adversely to the
practice of real estate appraisal. Respondent's license to practice real
estate appraisal in the State is hereby revoked. Filed and effective May
8, 2001.
February, 2001
1. Robert J. Rosato (CRD#1723366) Rosato's application for registration as an agent was denied as he was found to have engaged in dishonest and unethical conduct and is the subject of an Illinois order denying his agent registration. (order effective 2/1/01)
March, 2001
1. Marc J. Sitzer (CRD#1488396): Based upon, among other things, that Sitzer engaged in dishonest or unethical practices in the securities business and he is not qualified on the basis of character to be in the securities business, his agent registration was revoked.(order effective 3/30/01)
April, 2001
1. Millennium Interactive Technologies Corporation, f/k/a Exeter Financial Services Corporation, David Helmstetter, Ingrid Gray, Stuart Leffler, Louis Kowal, and Isaac Milstein: In a Consent Judgment dated April 23, 2001, Isaac Milstein voluntarily agreed that for a period of five years from the date of execution of the Consent Judgment he would not apply for registration with the New Jersey Bureau of Securities.
May, 2001
1. Gary A. Smolokoff: (CRD#1042771): In a Consent Order, Gary A. Smolokoff consented to have his registration as an agent was revoked retroactive to November 1995, when he was last registered with the Bureau. Smolokoff was also permanently barred from registration with the Bureau in any capacity. (order effective 5/23/01)
1. Millennium Interactive Technologies Corporation, f/k/a Exeter Financial Services Corporation, David Helmstetter, Ingrid Gray, Stuart Leffler, Louis Kowal, and Isaac Milstein: Millennium Interactive Technologies Corporation and David Helmstetter were permanently restrained and enjoined from the issuance, sale, offer for sale, solicitation, promotion, negotiations, advertisement or distribution into or from within the State of New Jersey of any securities, permanently restrained and enjoined from applying for registration in any capacity with the New Jersey Bureau of Securities. However, if after five years from the date of the Order, if Millennium or Helmstetter paid in full all the restitution and civil penalties in a timely manner as set forth in the Order, they may move before the court on notice to the New Jersey Bureau of Securities for the permanent bar to be either vacated or reduced in time. Additionally, Louis Kowal was restrained and enjoined for a period of five years from the issuance, sale, offer for sale, solicitation, promotion, negotiations, advertisement or distribution into or from within the State of New Jersey of the Millennium Securities, is restrained and is enjoined for a period of five years from apply for registration in any capacity with the New Jersey Bureau of Securities. However, if Kowal paid in full the civil penalties in a timely manner as set forth in the Order, Kowal may move before the court on notice that the plaintiffs bar be either vacated or reduced in time. The Order was signed by the Honorable, R. Benjamin Cohen, PJSC on May 16, 2001.
June, 2001
1. Odessa L. Wise (CRD #3086265):Based upon the Bureau's finding that Odessa L. Wise, made untrue statement of material fact, and/or omitted to state material facts, engaged in a course of business that operated as a fraud and deceit upon an investor in connection with the offer and sale of securities. On June 29, 2001, agent registration of Odessa L. Wise was summarily revoked. In a Consent Order dated December 21, 2001, civil monetary penalties in the amount of six thousand dollars ($6,000) were ordered and the June 29, 2001 Order for Summary Revocation of Agent Registration was incorporated into the Consent Order.
July, 2001
1. Gary D. Smith (CRD#2579220): Based upon an NASD Acceptance Waiver and Consent signed by Smith on April 5, 2001, in which, among other things he consented to be barred from association with any NASD member, his agent registration in New Jersey was revoked. (order effective 7/26/01)
August, 2001
1. William L. Hudley (CRD#1804457): Based upon an NASD Acceptance Waiver and Consent signed by Hudley on May 23, 2001, in which, among other things, he consented to findings that he engaged in the unauthorized conversion of customer funds and to be barred from association with any NASD member, his agent registration in New Jersey was revoked. (order effective 8/29/01)
2. Joseph J. Cernera, Jr. (CRD#2652602): Agent registration revoked as he is the subject of an NASD expulsion. (order effective 8/30/01)
December, 2001
1. Anthony E. Vivino, Jr. (CRD#2276634): Based upon two orders entered within the last five years by state securities administrators suspending or revoking his agent registration, his New Jersey agent registration was summarily revoked. (order dated 12/5/01)
2. Daniel F. Petronelli: (CRD#866944) In a Consent Order, Daniel F. Petronelli agreed to be permanently barred from registration with the Bureau in any capacity. (order effective 12/19/01)
May 2001
Maria Lucia Gigliuto, C.S.R.: Consent Order based upon respondent admitting that between January 1996 and April 1997 she received inflated paychecks and bills for services she did not perform. Further, she admitted that she kept said monies while knowing she was not entitled to them. Respondent's certificate to practice shorthand reporting shall be suspended for three years, with the first year served as an active period of suspension and the remaining two years stayed and served as a period of probation. Respondent was also charged a $2000 penalty which she has satisfied. Filed and effective May 15, 2001.
February 2001
Rona Wall, LCSW; Consent Order based on crossing professional boundaries between therapist and patient; five year suspension, the first year of which shall be active, with the remaining four years to be served as a probationary period. Respondent is assessed a civil penalty of $3000 and costs in the amount of $4665.Filed and effective February 2, 2001.
Deborah Ann Brown, C S W; Consent Order based on receipt of information of respondent's conviction of official misconduct in the third degree; five year suspension, the first two years of which shall be active, with the remaining three years to be served as probation. Respondent was also assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $2000 and required to complete 20 hours of continuing education. Filed and effective February 26, 2001.
July 2001
Arthur J. DiLizio, C.S.W. Certificate No. SW013302; Consent Order based upon receipt of information that respondent had been arrested for sexual assault and related charges on January 19, 2001. On June 6, 2001 he was indicted on one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child--Second Degree, one count of Sexual Assault--Second Degree, and one count of Aggravated Criminal Assault. Respondent voluntarily surrendered his certification pending resolution of the criminal charges. The temporary suspension of respondent's license to practice social work was filed and effective on July 10, 2001.
Alan L. Daniel, C.S.W. Certification No. SW 14782
Harold G. Peart, C.S.W. Certification No. SW 7000
Theresa Dozier Daniel, C.S.W. Certification No. SW 11186
Walton H. Daniel, C.S.W. Certification No. SW 022465
based upon information that respondents provided clinical social work
services which were significantly beyond their scope as certified social
workers. The certifications of these respondents shall be temporarily
suspended pending a plenary hearing. Filed and effective 7-17-01.
September 2001
Paul A. Reilly, C.S.W. Consent Order based upon information regarding respondent's conduct with patients over a number of years. The Board concluded that respondent's conduct constituted professional misconduct pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(e). Mr. Reilly's certification to practice social work in the State was suspended for five years commencing upon entry of the Consent Order. The first two years of the suspension to be active and the remaining three years to be served as a period of probation conditioned upon full compliance with the terms of the Consent Order. Effective September 5, 2001.
November 2001
Katherine Cooper, L.C.S.W. License No. SC 43364 based upon receipt of a complaint that respondent crossed professional boundaries and engaged in sex with a client. Respondent's license to practice social work in New Jersey is suspended for a period of five years retroactive to April 5, 2000. The first two years of the suspension shall be active and the remaining three years shall be stayed and shall serve as a period of probation conditioned upon full compliance with the terms of the within Consent Order. Among other terms, respondent shall pay costs of the investigation in the amount of $25,909.08. Filed and effective 11-16-01.
July 2001
Jamie Simon, L.S.W.; Final Order of Discipline based upon the Judgment of Conviction dated June 1, 2001 in the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division-Criminal, Morris County, where respondent was convicted of one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the third degree. Respondent's conduct resulted in the conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude which relates adversely to her license as a social worker. Her license to practice social work in the State of New Jersey has been revoked. Filed and effective July 2, 2001.
April 2001
Lisa Ann DeBacco, CSW; Consent Order of voluntary surrender of social work certification based upon allegations of crossing boundaries with a patient. Respondent was assessed civil penalties in the amount of $1000 and costs of $5817 (filed and effective 4/11/01)
May 2001
Suzanne Zipes; Order for Reinstatement based upon respondent having complied with the terms of the Consent Order required prior to reinstatement, the Boards of Social Work and Marriage and Family reinstated respondent's licenses as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Filed and effective May 29, 2001.
January 2001
Vikki L. McLawhorn, D.V.M. License No. VI 002264; based upon the receipt of information that respondent may have engaged in drug or alcohol use likely to impair her ability to practice her profession, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(l). Respondent acknowledges that she is presently undergoing treatment and monitoring since her arrest on April 10, 2000 for alleged violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a. Respondent's license is suspended for a period of five years, the entirety of which shall be stayed and served as a probationary period so long as the respondent is in compliance with all other terms of the Order; respondent is required to adhere to the Pre-Trial Intervention Program; respondent shall be subject to monitoring provisions of the Physicians' Health Program, including random urine monitoring, attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous three times weekly and counseling. Filed and effective January 2, 2001.
March 2001
Gary E. Mitterman, D.V.M. License No. VI 002037; based upon an investigation into respondent's practice and a consumer complaint. Respondent agreed to refrain from further practice of veterinary medicine until he is able to appear before the Board and demonstrate that he has cured all deficiencies and has been in compliance with all the terms and conditions of the Order, upon his release from the Marworth facility (or another rehabilitation facility) in Waverly, Pennsylvania. Respondent shall submit reports and conclusions relative to his in-patient stay at Marworth facility and his current treatment and prognosis. Respondent's license is voluntarily temporarily suspended until his appearance before the Board and he shall surrender his original wall certificate, his wallet certificate, and his renewal certificate. Filed and effective March 26, 2001.
June 2001
Gary E. Mitterman, D.V.M. License No. VI 002037; Consent Order based upon the Board's receipt of information suggesting that the respondent was practicing veterinary medicine in unsanitary conditions and that he had been convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs dating back to 1988, and also based on a consumer complaint. Respondent was found to have failed to maintain his veterinary facilities in clean and sanitary condition, been convicted of acts involving moral turpitude, engaged in professional misconduct, engaged in gross negligence, gross malpractice or gross incompetence which damaged or endangered the life, health, welfare, safety or property of another and engaged in repeated acts of negligence, malpractice or incompetence and that he maintained inadequate and incomplete patient records. Respondent's license is suspended for 30 months. Said suspension commences as of December 27, 2000 (the date of his inpatient admission to the Marworth facility) and continues through and includes June 27, 2003. The first six months of the suspension is to be served as an active suspension. Respondent was made to surrender his original wall certificate, his wallet certificate and his renewal certificate and pay a civil penalty of $10,000 and costs of $5,508.78. Prior to resuming practice respondent shall appear before the Board and demonstrate compliance with all provisions of the Consent Order and demonstrate that he is fit to resume practice, all adverse conditions are cured and prevented from recurring in the future, that he continues to comply with the Physicians Health Program treatment plan, including absolute abstinence from all psychoactive substances, daily attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for 90 days, and random twice-weekly urine monitoring. Respondent shall ensure that all patient medical records comply with the American Animal Hospital Association standards. Filed and effective June 29, 2001.
December 2001
Harvey Levy, DVM. License No. VI 001697. Interim Consent Order of Temporary Suspension of Licensure based upon an investigation into his practice of veterinary medicine. Respondent's license was voluntarily and temporarily suspended; respondent was ordered to refrain from using or consuming any controlled dangerous substances or medications in his control unless prescribed by a duly authorized medical representative; respondent was ordered to return his wall license, wallet certificate, current license registration, and his original CDS registration. Prior to applying for license reinstatement, respondent was ordered to appear before the Board to provide evidence, including reports from all mental health professionals and the Physicians Health Program and to demonstrate his readiness to re-enter the practice of veterinary medicine unimpaired. Order filed and effective December 3, 2001.
If you have any comments or questions, our e-mail address is:
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