Joseph M. Smith – Substance Abuse/Unjustifiable Prescriptions

Joseph M. Smith – Substance Abuse/Unjustifiable Prescriptions  

ACTIONS TAKEN:

9/14/2011  (Action taken as a result of NY State Medical Board)

BOARD AWARE OF ISSUE:

Unclear – although Board indicates it was notified about NY suspension    

ACTION BY OTHER STATES: 

Suspension:  NY 3/9/2011

Suspension:  VA 4/19/2011

QUOTES FROM DISCIPLINARY ACTION DOCUMENTS:

--“The New York Board found that the Respondent committed professional misconduct based on his dependence on/habitual use of narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, or other drugs similar, or having a psychiatric condition which impaired the licensee’s ability to practice medicine….The New York Board found that the Respondent committed professional misconduct based on his fraudulent practices while licensed to practice medicine in New York.  On at least 28 occasions between May 2007 and June 2008, the Respondent fraudulently obtained controlled substances (Hydrocodone and Vicoprofen) in bad faith and outside the course of his professional practice.  The Respondent fraudulently wrote the names of various physicians on prescriptions and personally uttered these fraudulent prescriptions.”

TIME LAG ON ACTION:

Unclear

Prior Actions:

Suspension - 09-14-2011