Nevada State Board of Medical
Examiners
***MINUTES***
OPEN SESSION BOARD MEETING
NEVADA STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL
EXAMINERS
Embassy Suites Hotel
4315 Swenson Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2003 - 9:30
a.m.
and
SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2003 -
8:30 a.m.
FRIDAY. MARCH 8, 2003
MEMBERS PRESENT: Cheryl A. Hug-English, M.D., President
Jaculine C. Jones, Ed.D., Vice President
Paul A. Stewart, M.D., Secretary-Treasurer
Joel N. Lubritz, M.D.
Donald H. Baepler, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Robin L. Titus, M.D.
Marlene J. Kirch
Stephen K. Montoya, M.D.
Sohail U. Anjum, M.D.
STAFF PRESENT: Larry D. Lessly, J.D., Executive
Director/Special Counsel
Maureen E. Lyons, Deputy Executive Director
Richard J. Legarza, J.D., General Counsel
Kasey M. Miller, Administrative Assistant to Executive
Director
Helen J. Teeples, Financial Support Assistant
ALSO PRESENT: Charlotte M. Bible, J.D., Chief Deputy Attorney
General
John B. Lanzillotta, P.A.-C, Physician Assistant
Advisory Committee Member
Donald W. Wright, R.R.T., Practitioner of Respiratory
Care Advisory Committee Member
Michael J. Garcia, R.R.T., Practitioner of Respiratory
Care Advisory Committee Member
Lee
Smith, M.D., Member of the Board of Directors, Federation of State Medical
Boards of the United States, Inc.
Carol R. Bowers, RN., C.D., Executive Director, Nevada
Health Professionals Assistance Foundation
F. Victor Rueckl, Jr., M.D., Medical Director, Nevada
Health Professionals Assistance Foundation
Mailing Address: PO. Box 7238
• Reno, Nevada 89510-7238
Physical Address: 1105
Terminal Way, Suite 301 • Reno, Nevada 89502-2144
(775) 688-2559 • Fax (775)
688-2321
E-mail:
nsbme@govmail.state.nv.us • Website: www.state.nv.us/medical/
(NSPO Rev. 5-02) (0) 1934
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March 7 & 8, 2003 Board
Meeting
Open Session Minutes
AGENDA ITEM 1
Call to Order- Cheryl A.
Hug-English, M.D., President
The meeting was called to
order by Cheryl A. Hug-English, M.D., President, at 9:30 a.m.
Dr. Hug-English welcomed
everyone in the audience and recognized medical students, representatives from
the Practitioner of Respiratory Care Advisory Committee, and Dr. Lee Smith,
Member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of State Medical Boards of
the United States, Inc.
AGENDA ITEM 2 Approval of
Minutes
- December 6 & 7, 2002
Board Meeting - Open/Closed Sessions
Dr. Titus moved to accept the
minutes of the December 6 & 7, 2002 Board Meeting - Open/Closed Sessions.
Mrs. Kirch seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair
voting in favor of the motion.
AGENDA ITEM 3
Request from Keith W.
Macdonald, Executive Secretary of the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy for
Consideration of Making a Patron Donation in the Amount of $10,000.00 to the
Nevadans for Antibiotic Awareness Program
- William P. Berliner, M.D.,
Nevadans for Antibiotic Awareness
Mr. Lessly distributed
material concerning the Nevadans for Antibiotic Awareness Program he received
from Dr. Berliner, who was not able to attend the meeting, and reviewed the
material for members. Discussion ensued about the program. Consensus was that
this is a good, worthwhile program. Dr. Titus questioned the program's budget
and Dr. Berliner's request for $10,000 from the board. She expressed her
interest in knowing what percentage of the program's monies would the $10,000
encompass and whether this would be a one-time request. Dr. Hug-English
requested a motion to table this agenda item until the board receives more
information about the program's budget. Mrs. Kirch moved to table this agenda
item until the next board meeting, Dr. Montoya seconded the motion, and the
motion passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
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Open Session Minutes
AGENDA ITEM 4
Request from Lisa Robin,
Assistant Vice President, Leadership and Legislative Services, Federation of
State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc. for Consideration of Making a
Donation to Help Sponsor a Program to be Held at the Federation of State
Medical Boards of the United States, Inc.'s Annual Meeting
Mr. Lessly reported that the
Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc. is requesting
funding from it's member boards for an educational program to be held at the
Federation's Annual Meeting. He reminded members that the Federation provides
many services and educational programs to it's member boards at no cost and
recommended that the board donate the $5,000 as requested to help sponsor the
program. Dr. Lubritz moved to approve donating $5,000 to the Federation of
State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc. to help sponsor its program per
the Federation's request. Dr. Jones seconded the motion, and it passed
unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
AGENDA ITEM 5
Presentation by University of
Nevada School of Medicine Students Re: the Clinical Skills Examination Component
of the United States Medical Licensing Examination
Cheryl Nelson, MSI, Eric
Guglielmo, MSII, and Anthony Echo, MSII appeared before the board to request
its consideration of excluding the Clinical Skills Examination Component of the
USMLE as a requirement for medical licensure in Nevada. They presented their
argument for the exclusion of the Clinical Skills Component and requested that
the board vote against its implementation at the annual meeting of the
Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc. in April. They
also requested that the board introduce a resolution at the Federation's annual
meeting to allow discussion and a delegate vote on the implementation of the
Clinical Skills Exam. Dr. Hug-English thanked the presenters for a very
thorough and clear presentation of their position on the matter.
AGENDA ITEM 6
Consideration of Request by
Washoe Medical Center for Approval of Five Practitioner of Respiratory Care
Training Programs Per NRS 630.047(1)() and (f)(1)
AGENDA ITEM 7
Consideration of Request by
Steven Kessinger, C.C.R.T. for Approval of Medical Education Collaborative's
Practitioner of Respiratory Care Training Programs Per NRS 630.047(1)(e) and
(f)(1)
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Dr. Baepler moved to accept
the request by Washoe Medical Center for approval of five practitioner of
respiratory care training programs per NRS 630.047(1)(e) and (f)(1) and the
request for approval of Medical Education Collaborative's practitioner of
respiratory care training programs per NRS 630.047(1)(e) and (f)(1). Dr.
Stewart seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting
in favor of the motion.
AGENDA ITEM 8
Consideration of Proposed
Board Advisory Opinion Re: "Student" Practitioners of Respiratory
Care - Richard J. Legarza, J.D., General Counsel
Mr. Legarza reported that he
researched the issue of "student" practitioners of respiratory care,
and spoke with the Board's Practitioner of Respiratory Care Advisory Committee
members, Dr. Stewart, and others, to draft this opinion. Mr. Legarza stated
that he feels the opinion clarifies the issue, and will help solve the problems
that have existed in the past. Mr. Garcia stated that he also thought the
opinion would be very helpful to clear up any current confusion. Dr. Jones
moved to approve the advisory opinion as proposed by Mr. Legarza. Dr. Stewart
seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor
of the motion.
AGENDA ITEM 9 Reports
- Diversion Program: Quarterly
Report - Carol R. Bowers, R.N., C.D., Executive Director, Nevada Health
Professionals Assistance Foundation
-Consideration of Renewal of
Board's Contract with the Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation to
Manage Board's Diversion Program Effective April 1, 2003
- Physician Assistant
Advisory Committee - John B. Lanzillotta, P.A.-C
- Practitioner of Respiratory
Care Advisory Committee - Michael J. Garcia, R.R.T. - Investigative Committee -
Paul A. Stewart, M.D., Chairperson
- Secretary-Treasurer - Paul
A. Stewart, M.D., Secretary-Treasurer
- Federation of State Medical
Boards of the United States, Inc. 2003 Workshop State Regulatory Policies:
Responding to Changes in the Oversight of Opoid Addiction Treatment - Jaculine
C. Jones, Ed.D., Vice President
- Committee to Study
Post-Licensure Continuing Competency Evaluation - Committee Members: Donald H.
Baepler, Ph.D., D.Sc.; Arne D. Rosencrantz; Paul A. Stewart, M.D.; Stephen K.
Montoya, M.D. and Joel N. Lubritz, M.D.
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Open Session Minutes
- Diversion Program:
Quarterly Report - Carol R. Bowers, R.N., C.D., Executive Director, Nevada
Health Professionals Assistance Foundation
-Consideration of Renewal of
Board's Contract with the Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation to
Manage Board's Diversion Program Effective April 1, 2003
Ms. Bowers reviewed the
previously distributed Diversion Program's Annual Report for members. She
announced that the program has had a record year for program participation. She
advised that Dr. Rueckl has been making presentations concerning the
"disruptive physician" at various hospitals upon request. She stated
that the program is doing very well, she is excited about how it is going, and
she feels very good about the program's progress during the last three years.
Discussion ensued concerning current financial funding being received by the
Foundation and how the funds are being utilized. Dr. Stewart moved to approve
the Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation's two year contract at
$110,000 per year beginning April l, 2003. Ms. Kirch seconded the motion, and
it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
- Practitioner of Respiratory
Care Advisory Committee - Michael J. Garcia, R.R.T.
Mr. Garcia thanked the board
for its assistance in approving the Advisory Opinion regarding Student
Practitioners of Respiratory Care. He informed the board that there is a new
pharmacy law that effects Student Practitioners of Respiratory Care. He stated
that these students are not on the list of healthcare professionals who can
administer medications. He advised that the Nevada Respiratory Care Association
will be working to amend this law with the Community College, hospitals, and
the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy, and that he hopes it will be resolved at
this legislative session.
- Investigative Committee -
Paul A. Stewart, M.D., Chairperson
Dr. Stewart distributed the
list of cases recommended for closure by the committee for members' review and
consideration for closure.
Dr. Stewart informed the
board that the investigative committee is making good progress on their cases,
but is having some problems finding an adequate number of peer reviewers at
opposite ends of the state to review cases outside of their practice area. He
advised that the committee is currently looking for forty peer reviewers for
forty cases that are currently under investigation. Discussion ensued, and it
was decided that the investigative committee would send out a mailing to all
licensed M.D.s asking for their help with the peer review situation.
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Dr. Stewart discussed the
reporting requirements of AB 1 from the special legislative session held in the
summer of 2002. In the board's January newsletter, the board asked all M.D.s to
notify the board of any malpractice cases in which they were involved during
the previous quarter. In February, the board received a list of malpractice
cases filed in Clark County from October 1, 2002 to present, and so far, the
investigative staff has found sixty-two to seventy-two M.D.s who didn't report
to the board. Dr. Stewart advised that the Investigative Committee will send a
letter to all of the M.D.s who didn't report their malpractice cases to the
board, giving them a time frame within which to respond, and asking them why
they didn't report to the board and why they shouldn't be prosecuted for not
having done so. The investigative staff will do the same investigation for
Washoe County and the rest of the state. This project will take at least 1,000
work hours to complete. By consensus, the board decided that in the mailing to
the M.D.s, a letter will be included reminding them of the malpractice
reporting requirement, per AB 1.
- Secretary-Treasurer - Paul
A. Stewart, M.D., Secretary-Treasurer
Dr. Stewart reviewed the
previously distributed budget and balance sheets as of July, 2002 through June,
2003 for members, and suggested that it is time for the board to consider
investing in the purchase of items necessary for the continuing function of the
board. He added that the board's current financial situation is good.
- Investigative Committee -
Paul A. Stewart, M.D., Chairperson (CONTINUED)
Dr. Titus asked for further
discussion of the problems the Investigative Committee is having in finding
peer reviewers and the adequate reporting by M.D.s of their malpractice cases.
Discussion ensued, with consensus of the board being that the mass mailing to
all licensed M.D.s should help with these situations.
Dr. Havins, Executive
Director of the Clark County Medical Society appeared before the board and
spoke on the statistical information that the Medical Society has gathered
about M.D.s leaving Nevada due to the current malpractice crisis. Discussion
ensued. Dr. Hug-English requested that the Clark County Medical Society provide
the board with its information regarding the malpractice situation, so that the
board can use the information for its own investigation of this matter.
Dr. Lubritz moved to close
the cases recommended for closure by the Investigative Committee. Dr. Jones
seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor
of the motion.
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- Federation of State Medical
Boards of the United States, Inc. 2003 Workshop State Regulatory Policies: Responding
to Changes in the Oversight of Opioid Addiction Treatment - Jaculine C. Jones,
Ed.D., Vice President
Dr. Jones reported on the
Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc.'s workshop she
attended with respect to responding to changes in the oversight of Opioid
addiction treatment. Dr. Jones felt that the workshop was very well done and
very informative. She added that the board should soon be receiving a videotape
of the program.
-Committee to Study
Post-Licensure Continuing Competency Evaluation -Committee Members: Donald H.
Baepler, Ph.D., D.Sc.; Arne D. Rosencrantz; Paul A. Stewart, M.D.; Stephen K.
Montoya, M.D. and Joel N. Lubritz, M.D.
Dr. Baepler gave a brief
history of the committee's work to date and reminded members that the committee
has been working on this project for the past three years. He referred to the
proposed regulation for requirements for biennial registration as they appear
in the agenda book and stated that the committee is looking for input from the
medical community regarding the proposed regulation. Dr. Baepler reviewed the
verbiage of the proposed regulation, and suggested that the board hold public
workshops on this proposed regulation. Discussion ensued.
Dr. Titus expressed her
concern about sending this document out to hearing in the form as it appears in
the agenda book. She suggested some changes, specifically concerning the rural
M.D.s, stating that she feels rural M.D.s should meet the same standards as all
other Nevada licensed M.D. s.
Dr. Hug-English suggested
that some changes be made regarding the hospital cases, as most practice is
performed on an out-patient basis.
paragraph three.
Mr. Lessly suggested
eliminating paragraph four and amending
Mrs. Kirch stated that she
feels that the board needs to inform the public of how this legislation will
effect both the citizens of Nevada and the M.D.s in Nevada, with respect to
their competency.
Dr. Hug-English directed that
this agenda item be continued after lunch. She asked that the Committee members
meet during the lunch hour to make revisions, as discussed, and present the
revised proposed regulation for consideration after the lunch hour.
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RECESS
Dr. Hug-English recessed the
meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Dr. Hug-English reconvened
the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
-Committee to Study
Post-Licensure Continuing Competency Evaluation -Committee Members: Donald H.
Baepler, Ph.D., D.Sc.; Arne D. Rosencrantz; Paul A. Stewart, M.D.; Stephen K.
Montoya, M.D. and Joel N. Lubritz, M.D. (CONTINUED)
Mr. Lessly reviewed for
members the revisions made to the proposed regulation by the Committee during
the lunch break for consideration. Dr. Titus moved to approve the revised
proposed regulations on post licensure continuing competency evaluation for
public workshops. Mrs. Kirch seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously,
with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Baepler informed the
board that Mr. Lessly will meet with Mrs. Kirch regarding a public information
notice to be a part of the workshop postings to educate the public on the
proposed regulations.
Dr. Hug-English thanked the
committee for its work on this difficult issue and stated that this document is
a good start toward accomplishing the committee's goal.
- Physician Assistant
Advisory Committee - John B. Lanzillotta, P.A.-C
Mr. Lanzillotta reported that
the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners was commended on a national level
by the American Academy of Physician Assistants in its January newsletter for
adopting new regulations with regard to M.D. and P.A. relationships, initial
licensing for P.A. s, and the removal of the supervising physician fee. He
informed members that the National Commission on Certification of Physician
Assistants (NCCPA) has revised its disciplinary policy, which now provides for
the denial or revocation of NCCPA certification if a P.A.'s license is revoked
by any state.
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AGENDA ITEM 11
Executive Staff Reports - Larry
D. Lessly, J.D., Executive Director Maureen E. Lyons, Deputy Executive Director
- Consideration of Request for Staff Attendance at Educational Meetings
- Consideration of
Continuation of Contract with Nevada Broadcaster's Association for the Board's
Public Service Announcement Program for April 1, 2003 through June 30, 2003 -
Consideration of Amending Office Lease to Add Storage Space and to Extend Lease
for Office and Storage Space
- Consideration of Adding an
Investigator Position and an Administrative Assistant Position to Staff
- Informational Items
- Consideration of Request
for Staff Attendance at Educational Meetings
Mr. Lessly reported that he
did not have any requests for staff attendance at any educational meetings. He
advised that Dr. Stewart, Dr. Hug-English, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Baepler are
registered for the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States,
Inc.'s Annual Meeting to be held in Chicago in April.
- Consideration of
Continuation of Contract with Nevada Broadcaster's Association for the Board's
Public Service Announcement Program for April 1, 2003 through June 30, 2003
Mr. Lessly recommended that
the board renew its contract with the Nevada Broadcaster's Association for the
board's public service announcement program for April 1, 2003 through June 30,
2003 at $5,000 per month. Dr. Jones moved to approve continuing the contract as
recommended by Mr. Lessly. Dr. Anjum seconded the motion, and it passed
unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
- Consideration of Adding an
Investigator Position and an Administrative Assistant Position to Staff
Mr. Lessly requested the
board's approval to add an Investigator position and an Administrative
Assistant position to the investigative staff due to the increased case load
and difficulty in the processing of the investigative cases. Dr. Baepler moved
to approve the addition ofan Investigator position and an Administrative
Assistant position to the investigative staff. Dr. Lubritz seconded the motion,
and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
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- Consideration of Amending
Office Lease to Add Storage Space and to Extend Lease for Office and Storage
Space
Mr. Lessly requested board approval
of an amendment of the current board lease to add storage space, and to extend
the lease through March 2009 for the office and additional storage space. This
change will also open up space for the two investigative positions to be added
to the staff.
Dr. Stewart raised the
possibility that a future board might consider purchasing a building once the
new six year lease expires. Mr. Lessly added that by purchasing a building,
overhead costs would be reduced, especially if the board were able to rent space
to other state boards.
Dr. Lubritz moved to approve
the amendment to the board office lease as proposed by Mr. Lessly. Dr. Stewart
seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor
of the motion.
- Informational Items
Mrs. Lyons reported that the
board will be "going live" with the new version of License 2000 on
Monday March 10, 2003. She advised that the upgrade project ran very smoothly
and the software company's implementation procedure has greatly improved since
the board's last project with the company.
AGENDA ITEM 12
Consideration of Stipulation
for Settlement in the Matter of the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners vs.
Robert Peter Selkin M.D. Case No. 02-18562-1
Adjudicating Board Members:
Cheryl A. Hug-English, President; Jaculine C. Jones, Ed.D., Vice President;
Joel N. Lubritz, M.D.; Robin L. Titus, M.D.; Marlene J. Kirch; and Sohail U.
Anjum, M.D.
members were present.
Dr. Hug-English confirmed
that all of the adjudicating board
Mr. Legarza reviewed the
history of the formal Complaint filed by the board against Dr. Selkin and
reviewed and explained the points of the proposed Stipulation for Settlement in
the matter. Discussion ensued.
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Mrs. Kirch moved to accept
the proposed Stipulation for Settlement in the matter of the Nevada State Board
of Medical Examiners vs. Robert Peter Selkin, M.D. as presented by Mr. Legarza.
Dr. Titus seconded the motion, and Dr. Hug-English took a roll call for the
vote. All adjudicating board members voted in favor of accepting the proposed
Stipulation for Settlement. The Stipulation for Settlement in the matter of the
Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners vs. Robert Peter Selkin, M.D. was accepted
unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor.
AGENDA ITEM 13
Adjudication in the Matter of
the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners vs. Lambert R. Abeyatunge. M.D.,
Case No. 02-10879-1
Adjudicating Board Members:
Cheryl A. Hug-English, President; Jaculine C. Jones, Ed.D., Vice President;
Joel N. Lubritz, M.D.; Robin L. Titus, M.D.; Marlene J. Kirch; and Sohail U.
Anjum, M.D.
Dr. Hug-English confirmed
that all of the adjudicating board members were present and proceeded to review
the formal Complaint filed by the board against Dr. Abeyatunge.
Dr. Lubritz motioned to go
into Closed Session to deliberate on the counts of the Complaint. Mrs. Kirch
seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor.
Upon returning to Open Session,
Dr. Lubritz moved to find Dr. Abeyatunge guilty of malpractice on count one of
the Complaint, based on evidence that the standard of care was not met prior to
the surgery by his not marking the surgical site. Dr. Jones seconded the
motion, and Dr. Hug-English took a roll call for the vote. All adjudicating
board members voted in favor of finding Dr. Abeytunge guilty of malpractice on
count one of the Complaint, and the motion passed unanimously, with the Chair
voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Anjum moved to find Dr.
Abeyatunge not guilty of count two of the Complaint, intending to deceive,
based on evidence that Dr. Abeyatunge documented that he had informed the
patient and prison care doctor of the medical situation. Dr. Titus seconded the
motion and Dr. Hug-English took a roll call for the vote. All adjudicating
board members voted in favor of finding Dr. Abeytunge not guilty of intending
to deceive on count two of the Complaint, except Dr. Jones and Mrs Kirch, who
voted against the motion. The motion passed, with the Chair voting in favor of
the motion.
Dr. Lubritz moved to go into
Closed Session to deliberate on the appropriate sanctions. Dr. Anjum seconded
the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor.
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Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Titus moved that Dr. Abeyatunge receive a public reprimand, pay a
$2,000 fine, pay all costs incurred by the board in the investigation and
prosecution of the case, and that he successfully complete an additional 10
hours of Continuing Medical Education to be approved in advance by the
Secretary-Treasurer of the board. Mrs. Kirch seconded the motion, and Dr.
Hug-English took a roll call for the vote. All adjudicating board members voted
in favor of the sanctions to be imposed on Dr. Abeyatunge, and the motion
passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Mrs. Bible provided the board
with a waiver form to be filed into the meeting record regarding Dr.
Abeyatunge.
AGENDA ITEM 14
Adjudication in the Matter of
the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners vs. Elliott D. Schmerler. M.D.,
Case No. 02-9279-1
Adjudicating Board Members:
Cheryl A. Hug-English, President; Jaculine C. Jones, Ed.D., Vice President;
Joel N. Lubritz, M.D.; Robin L. Titus, M.D.; Marlene J. Kirch; and Sohail U.
Anjum, M.D.
Dr. Hug-English confirmed
that all of the adjudicating board members were present and proceeded to review
the formal Complaint filed against Dr. Schmerler.
Mrs. Bible provided the board
with a waiver form to be filed into the meeting record regarding Dr. Schmerler.
Dr. Titus moved to find Dr.
Schmerler guilty of count one in the formal Complaint, conviction of a felony
under the laws of the United States of America. Mrs. Kirch seconded the motion,
and Dr. Hug-English took a roll call vote. All adjudicating board members voted
to find Dr. Schmerler guilty of conviction of a felony, count one of the formal
Complaint, and the Chair voted in favor of the motion.
Mrs. Kirch moved to find Dr.
Schmerler guilty of count two of the formal Complaint, which involved moral
turpitude. Dr. Jones seconded the motion, and Dr. HugEnglish took a roll call
vote. All adjudicating board members voted to find Dr. Schmerler guilty of
moral turpitude, count two of the formal Complaint, and the Chair voted in
favor of the motion.
Dr. Titus moved to go into
Closed Session for deliberation of the appropriate sanctions. Dr. Lubritz
seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor
of the motion.
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Upon returning to Open
Session Dr. Anjum moved to revoke Dr. Schmerler's license to practice medicine
in the state of Nevada, order that he pay a $5,000 fine per each of the two
counts of the Complaint, and pay all costs incurred by the board in the
investigation and prosecution of the case. Mrs. Kirch seconded the motion and
Dr. Hug-English took a roll call vote. All adjudicating board members voted in
favor of the sanctions to be imposed on Dr. Schmerler, and it passed
unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Hug-English stated her
feeling that Dr. Schmerler's actions were deplorable, his history and felony conviction
is a disgrace to the practice of medicine and the revocation is appropriate.
AGENDA ITEM 15
Adjudication in the Matter of
the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners vs. Jeffrey Stein, M.D., Case No.
03-12784-1
Adjudicating Board Members:
Cheryl A. Hug-English, President; Jaculine C. Jones, Ed.D., Vice President;
Joel N. Lubritz, M.D.; Marlene J. Kirch; Sohail U. Anjum, M.D.; and Stephen K.
Montoya, M.D.
Mrs. Bible provided the board
with a waiver form to be filed into the meeting record regarding Dr. Stein.
Dr. Hug-English confirmed
that all of the adjudicating board members were present and proceeded to review
the formal Complaint filed against Dr. Stein.
Mrs. Kirch moved to go into
Closed Session to deliberate on Dr. Stein's guilt or innocense. Dr. Montoya
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor
of the motion.
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Montoya moved to find Dr. Stein guilty of providing inaccurate
statements as described in count one of the formal Complaint, attempting to
obtain a license by fraud, misrepresentation or false, misleading or inaccurate
statements. The motion died for lack of a second.
Mrs. Kirch moved to find Dr.
Stein guilty of fraud as descirbed
in count one of the formal
Complaint. Dr. Jones seconded the motion.
Dr. Anjum moved to amend the
motion to find Dr. Stein guilty of count one of the formal Complaint, as he
felt that Dr. Stein's intention wasn't fraud but rather
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misrepresentation,
misleading, or inaccurate statements. Dr. Montoya seconded the motion, and Dr.
Hug-English took a roll call vote. Dr. Jones, Dr. Lubritz, and Mrs. Kirch voted
against the motion and the amended motion failed, with the Chair voting against
the amended motion.
Dr. Hug-English took a roll
call vote on the original motion by Mrs. Kirch to find Dr. Stein guilty of
fraud on count one of the formal Complaint. The motion was seconded by Dr.
Jones. All adjudicating board members voted in favor of the motion, except Dr.
Anjum and Dr. Montoya who voted against the motion. The motion passed, with the
Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Mrs. Kirch moved to find Dr.
Stein guilty of conduct intending to deceive as described in count two of the
formal Complaint. Dr. Jones seconded the motion, and Dr. Hug-English took a
roll call vote. All adjudicating board members voted in favor of the motion
except, Dr. Anjum and Dr. Montoya who voted against the motion. The motion
passed, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Lubritz moved to go into
Closed Session to deliberate on the appropriate sanctions. Mrs. Kirch seconded
the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the
motion.
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Montoya moved that Dr. Stein be issued a public reprimand, pay a
$2,000 fine for each of the two counts of the Complaint, pay the costs incurred
by the board in the investigation and prosecution of the case, and attend six
hours of Continuing Medical Education in Medical Ethics within the next year.
Mrs. Kirch seconded the motion.
Dr. Montoya amended the
motion to add that the Continuing Medical Education must be approved in advance
by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board. Mrs. Kirch seconded the amended
motion, and Dr. Hug-English took a roll call vote. All adjudicating board
members voted in favor of the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair
voting in favor of the motion.
RECESS
Dr. Hug-English recessed the
meeting at 3:45 p.m.
Page 15
March 7 & 8, 2002 Board
Meeting
Open Session Minutes
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2002
MEMBERS PRESENT: Cheryl A. Hug-English, M.D., President
Jaculine C. Jones, Ed.D., Vice President
Paul A. Stewart, M.D., Secretary-Treasurer
Joel N. Lubritz, M.D.
Donald
H. Baepler, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Robin
L. Titus, M.D.
Marlene
J. Kirch Sohail U. Anjum, M.D.
Stephen
K. Montoya, M.D.
STAFF PRESENT: Larry D. Lessly, J.D., Executive
Director
Maureen
E. Lyons, Deputy Executive Director
Richard
J. Legarza, J.D., General Counsel
KaseyM.
Miller, Administrative Assistant to Executive Director
Helena
J. Teeples, Financial Support Assistant
ALSO PRESENT: Charlotte
M. Bible, J.D., Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General
John
B. Lanzillotta, P.A.-C, Physician Assistant Advisory Committee Member
Carol
A. Clothier, Assistant Vice President, Examination and Post-Licensure
Assessment Services, Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States,
Inc.
Lee
Smith, MD., Member of the Board of Directors, Federation of State Medical
Boards of the United States, Inc.
Cheryl A. Hug-English, M.D.,
President, reconvened the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
Page 16
March 7 & 8, 2002 Board
Meeting
Open Session Minutes
AGENDA ITEM 16
Presentation by the
Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States. Inc.
Ms. Clothier and Dr. Smith
presented an overall view of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the
United States, Inc. and its services. Ms. Clothier also presented information
pertaining to upcoming programs the FSMB hopes to implement in the future. Ms.
Clothier and Dr. Smith answered questions for members. Discussion ensued.
Dr. Smith stated that the
Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners was one of the most progressive medical
boards in the United States and ranked in the top twenty-five percent of
medical boards. Dr. Lubritz asked that Dr. Smith's statements about the Nevada
State Board of Medical Examiners be recorded in the minutes.
AGENDA ITEM 10
Legal Reports - Richard J.
Legarza, J.D., General Counsel
Charlotte M. Bible, J.D.,
Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General - Board Ordered Terms, Conditions and
Probation Status
- Board Litigation Status
Board Ordered Terms,
Conditions and Probation Status -
Mr. Legarza reported that all
board orders are current and there are no violations.
Board Litigation Status -
Mrs. Bible reported that
there are currently no litigation cases pending. Mr. Legarza reported that the
Murray case is still under advisement in Reno and it is not moving.
AGENDA ITEM 17
Appearances for Consideration
of Acceptance of Applications for Licensure
Dr. Jones moved to go into
Closed Session to discuss the character and professional competence of
applicants for licensure approval. Dr. Titus seconded the motion, and it passed
unanimously with the Chair voting in favor.
CLOSED SESSION
Page 17
March 7 & 8, 2002 Board
Meeting
Open Session Minutes
17 (a) Varick Bernstein, M.D.
- Acceptance of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Stewart moved to accept Varick Bernstein, M.D.'s application for
licensure. Dr. Jones seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the
Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Mrs. Kirch moved to return to
Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr Anjum seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
17 (b) Denis Astarita. M.D. -
Acceptance of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Lubritz moved to table the agenda item until the board has had the
opportunity to receive and review the outcome of the pending malpractice case
against Dr. Astarita. Dr. Stewart seconded the motion and Dr. Hug-English took
a roll call vote. Dr. Montoya, Dr. Anjum, Mrs. Kirch, Dr. Titus, and Dr.
Baepler opposed the motion and the motion failed.
Dr. Montoya moved to accept
Denis Astarita, M.D.'s application for licensure. Dr. Baepler seconded the
motion and Dr. Hug-English took a roll call vote. Dr. Titus, Dr. Stewart, Dr.
Jones, and Mrs. Kirch opposed the motion. The motion passed with the Chair
voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Jones moved to return to
Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Mrs. Kirch seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
17 (c) Rajiv Budden, M.D. - Acceptance
of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Mrs. Kirch moved to deny Rajiv Budden, M.D.'s application for
licensure due to his track record of three terminations from medical training
programs, history of unprofessional behavior, leaving early from other medical
training programs, being put on probation in one of his residency training
programs, and inappropriate responses on his application for licensure. Dr.
Baepler seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously, with the Chair
voting in favor of the motion.
Mrs. Kirch moved to return to
Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr. Jones seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
Page 18
March 7 & 8. 2002 Board Meeting
Open Session Minutes
17 (i) Martin O'Hara, M.D. - Acceptance
of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Montoya moved to accept Martin O'Hara, M.D.'s application for
licensure. Dr. Lubritz seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, with the
Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Montoya moved to return
to Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr. Stewart seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
17 (d) Byron Carter, C.R.T. -
Acceptance of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Anjum moved to accept Byron Carter, C.R.T.'s application for
licensure. Dr. Montoya seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the
Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Jones moved to return to
Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr. Baepler seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
17 (e) Paul Gaulin. M.D. - Acceptance
of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Jones moved to accept Paul Gaulin, M.D.'s application for
licensure. Dr. Lubritz seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the
Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Baepler moved to return
to Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr. Anjum seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
17 (f) James Grieco, C.R.T. -
Acceptance of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Baepler moved to table James Grieco, C.R.T.'s application for
licensure until the board receives advice from the board's Practitioner of
Respiratory Care Advisory Committee as to how Mr. Grieco should be required to
pass to prove his competency after having been away from the practice of
respiratory care for 12 months Dr. Montoya seconded the motion, and it passed
unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Jones moved to return to
Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr. Montoya seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
Page 19
March 7 & 8, 2002 Board Meeting
Open Session Minutes
17 (g) Patricia Hess, R.R.T. -
Acceptance of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Stewart moved to accept Patricia Hess, R.R.T.'s application for
licensure. Dr. Baepler seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the
Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Montoya moved to return
to Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr. Jones seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
17 (h) Bruce Jones, R.R.T. - Acceptance
of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Jones moved to table Bruce Jones, R.R.T.'s application for
licensure until the board receives advice from the board's Practitioners of
Respiratory Care Advisory Committee as to how Mr. Jones should be required to
pass to prove his competency after having been away from the practice of
respiratory care since 1982. Dr. Lubritz seconded the motion, and it passed
unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Jones moved to return to
Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Mrs. Kirch seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
17 (j) Charles Quilty, M.D. -
Acceptance of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Baepler moved to accept Charles Quilty, M.D.'s application for
licensure. Dr. Montoya seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the
Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Dr. Montoya moved to return
to Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr. Jones seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
17 (k) Eleanor Stanley, M.D. -
Acceptance of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Montoya moved to accept Eleanor Stanley, M.D.'s application for
licensure. Dr. Baepler seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the
Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Page 20
March 7 & 8, 2002 Board
Meeting
Open Session Minutes
Mrs. Kirch moved to return to
Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr. Jones seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
17 (1) John Rule, M.D. - Acceptance
of Application for Licensure
Upon returning to Open
Session, Dr. Lubrtiz moved to accept John Rule, M.D.'s application for
licensure. Dr. Baepler seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the
Chair voting in favor of the motion.
Mrs. Kirch moved to return to
Closed Session for the same purposes stated before. Dr. Jones seconded the
motion, and it passed unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM 18
Ratification of Licenses
Issued , and Reinstatements of Licensure and Changes of Licensure Status
Approved Since the December 6 & 7. 2002 Board Meeting
Dr. Baepler moved to ratify
the licenses issued, and reinstatements of licensure and changes of licensure
status approved since the December 6 & 7, 2002 board meeting. Dr. Stewart
seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, with the Chair voting in favor
of the motion.
AGENDA ITEM 19
Matters for. Future Agenda
Dr. Montoya suggested that
the information offered on the board's website be discussed at a future
meeting.
AGENDA ITEM 15
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Hug-English adjourned the
meeting at 1:35 p.m.