The five doctors named in this round of actions practiced in Camden, Gloucester, Hudson, and Monmouth counties. Each has been criminally convicted in federal or state court of illegally selling prescriptions for Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS). Four of the doctors sold prescriptions for opiate painkillers; the fifth sold prescriptions for anabolic steroids.
Director Kanefsky this week initiated actions to prohibit the doctors from ever again being able to prescribe CDS in New Jersey, even if the State Board of Medical Examiners should one day reinstate their medical licenses. The announcement follows similar action Kanefsky took in October against 12 doctors (see www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/10032013.pdf).
“Doctors who make the decision to sell CDS prescriptions are a disgrace their profession and their violated oath to do no harm,” Attorney General Hoffman said. “New Jersey is fighting back against prescribers who contribute to America’s drug epidemic, and working to protect the public should they ever again be reinstated to practice medicine in our state.”
Physicians obtain their medical licenses through the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners. But no licensed physician may prescribe CDS without a CDS registration, granted by the Director of the State Division of Consumer Affairs.
Revocation of a physician’s CDS registration provides an extra layer of protection to the public, should the revoked doctor ask the Board of Medical Examiners to reinstate his or her medical license. Even if their license to practice medicine is one day restored, the doctor would still need to apply to the Consumer Affairs Director for reinstatement of his or her revoked CDS registration. The doctor would be required to make a clear and detailed demonstration as to why reinstatement of the CDS registration would be in the public interest.
In the cases of the following five doctors, Director Kanefsky issued Orders to Show Cause as to why their CDS registration should not be revoked. The Orders set hearing dates in approximately 45 days. Prior to the hearing, each doctor must provide a written explanation as to why his or her CDS registration should not be revoked. Failure to respond may result in the matter being considered in the doctor’s absence. Following the hearing, the Director may issue an order suspending or revoking the doctor’s New Jersey CDS registration.
For more information on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs' initiative to halt the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, view the Division's NJPMP website at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/pmp, and the Division's Project Medicine Drop website at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/meddrop.
Follow the Division of Consumer Affairs on Facebook, and check our online calendar of upcoming Consumer Outreach events.
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