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License suspended, doctor ready to fight “fictitious” charges

It takes just about an hour to drive from New York City north to Valhalla. The city is home to historic New York Medical College. Founded more than a century and a half ago, the school has provided education and training for thousands of doctors.

One of its alumni is a doctor recently had his license to practice medicine in Michigan suspended. The physician’s attorney says his client is ready to fight the “fictitious” charges.

A year ago, agents from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency raided the anesthesiology specialist’s office.

According to news reports, the doctor is suspected of involvement in a so-called pill mill operation. Investigators apparently believe he has engaged in insurance fraud, prescription fraud and illegal distribution of controlled substances such as Norcos and Oxycodone.

Law enforcement officials have said he distributed more than 1.2 million doses of the drugs with medically unneeded prescriptions.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs suspended the doctor’s medical license. In addition, the DEA has suspended registration needed to prescribe controlled substances.

In a statement, the doctor’s attorney said the physician will “immediately file a petition to dissolve this fictitious complaint” and said he looks forward to resolution of the “administrative matter.”

He also noted that an outpouring of community support for the doctor has helped him endure the ongoing investigation.

Public support is undoubtedly welcome. But to deal effectively with physician licensing issues and possible criminal investigations, speak with an attorney experienced in these complex legal and regulatory matters.