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State of NevadaBoard of Medical Examiners Newsletter
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Board Members:
CHERYL A. HUG-ENGLISH,
M.D.
JOEL N. LUBRITZ, M.D.
President
ROBIN L. TITUS, M.D.
JACULINE C. JONES, Ed.D. MARLENE J. KIRCH
Vice
President
STEPHEN K. MONTOYA, M.D.
DONALD H. BAEPLER, Ph.D., D.Sc. SOHAIL U. ANJUM, M.D.
JAVAID ANWAR, M.D.
NEVADA STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS
VOLUME 29 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2003
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
STAFF CHANGES
The professional paths of Tony Clark and Larry Lessly, the board’s Executive Secretary/Special Counsel, have crossed in the past. Both men are attorneys and served together as Air Force Staff Judge Advocates. Later in their military careers, Mr. Lessly, an Air Force Brigadier General, served as Mr. Clark’s deputy, while Mr. Clark, an Air Force Major General, was Adjutant General of Nevada.
Mr. Clark brings a wealth of legal, administrative, legislative, and management experience to the board at a time when several of the board’s senior staff members are nearing retirement. Mr. Clark will assume the position of Executive Secretary/Special Counsel upon Mr. Lessly’s retirement.
The board has also expanded its investigative staff with the addition of another investigator and an administrative assistant. Trent S. Hiett, a graduate of the University of Utah and an experienced investigator, joined the investigative staff on July 1, 2003, as did Winnemucca native Pam C. Gabica, who serves as an administrative assistant in the Investigative Division.
Lynnette L. Krotke was promoted to the position of Chief License Specialist on June 1, 2003. She replaces Elizabeth Larragueta, who left the board to move to the Las Vegas area. Mrs. Krotke served as an administrative investigator and later as a license specialist before this promotion.
The Board’s Financial Manager, Robert A. Frantz, will retire August 15, 2003, and will be replaced by Helena J. Teeples as Financial Support Assistant reporting to the Executive Secretary/Special Counsel.
REGULATION CHANGES
The board recently revised its regulations to remove the requirement that applicants for licensure complete one year of postgraduate training prior to taking Step III of the USMLE. Also deleted was the requirement that applicants must pass all three steps of the USMLE within seven years or within ten years if in a joint M.D.-Ph.D. program. The board made these changes in the belief that the changes would not have a significant impact upon the quality of applicants for licensure in Nevada.
NEVADA LEGISLATURE MANDATES
SPECIFIC CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION
AB 250, adopted in the recent legislative session and signed by the Governor, requires that in order to renew a license as a physician assistant or to register a license to practice medicine during a biennial registration, the holder of a license must have completed a course of instruction, within two years after initial licensure, related to the medical consequences of an act of terrorism that involves the use of a weapon of mass destruction. The legislation requires that the course must provide at least four hours of instruction, including instruction in the following subjects:
1) An overview of acts of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction;
2) Personal protective equipment required for acts of terrorism;
3) Common symptoms and methods of treatment associated with exposure to or
injuries caused by chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear
agents;
4) Syndromic surveillance and reporting procedures for acts of terrorism that
involve biological agents; and
5) An overview of the information available on and the use of the Health Alert
Network.
The legislation goes on to provide that the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners may thereafter determine whether to include in a program of continuing medical education courses of instruction relating to the medical consequences of an act of terrorism that involves the use of a weapon of mass destruction.
The board is required by this legislation to proceed to adopt such a regulation, the net effect of which will be that any physician initially licensed in the state of Nevada after July 1, 2003 will be required to complete this course of instruction prior to biennial registration renewal in 2005.
In addition, AB 349 amends the medical practice act to provide as follows:
The board shall encourage each holder of a license who treats or cares for persons who are more then sixty years of age to receive, as a portion of their continuing education, education in Geriatrics and Gerontology, including such topics as:
a) The skills and knowledge that the licensee needs to address aging issues;
b) Approaches to providing health care to older persons, including both didactic
and clinical approaches;
c) The biological, behavioral, social and emotional aspects of the aging
process; and
d) The importance of maintenance of function and independence for older persons.
This legislation is also effective July 1, 2003. At its next regularly scheduled meeting, the board will consider how it will comply with this legislation.
A WORD FROM THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
ADVISORY
COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD
By: John B. Lanzillotta, P.A.-C, Physician Assistant Advisor
At the March 2003 meeting of the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners, the board discussed competency evaluation testing for Nevada physicians. In light of current public and regulatory concern about medical errors, there has been growing attention in competency and competency assessment by the public, members of health care regulatory bodies and licensing boards. The results of a survey conducted by the Citizens Advocacy Center, a Washington, DC based non-profit organization that disseminates information to public members of health care regulatory agencies including licensing boards, indicate that 70 health care licensing and certification boards are considering implementing some form of competency assessment.
At the recent American Academy of Physician Assistants’ (AAPA) House of Delegates meeting in May 2003, a policy concerning continued competence was amended and adopted:
"Continuing competence is a multidimensional construct that represents the totality of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for professional practice and implies a minimum level of proficiency. AAPA believes it is the ethical responsibility of the practicing PA to maintain a level of competency sufficient to practice medicine safely and effectively. PAs are committed to updating knowledge and skills through lifelong learning and keeping abreast of emerging knowledge and technologies. A component of that commitment is demonstrated by participating in continuing medical education activities."
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) in its recent mission statement outlining goals for the next 3 years indicated it would continue to recognize the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) as an essential indicator of professional competence to physician assistants. The NCCPA requires PAs to pass this exam after training and every 6 years thereafter to maintain certification. PAs in Nevada must be current in national certification to be eligible for and maintain their Nevada license.
It is paramount that all practicing PAs recognize the multi-dimensional aspects of competency. Continued professional competency has many aspects not only limited to the PANCE. Continued professional competency is a periodic assessment of strengths and deficiencies, and implies continued participation in educational activities emphasizing clinical skills on an ongoing basis. As PAs, it behooves us to keep current not only in the respective specialties we may practice, but in primary medicine as well. A commitment to ‘lifelong professional learning’ is not only an ethical and professional responsibility ensuring safe and effective medical practice, but is also becoming a regulatory requirement.
A WORD FROM THE PRACTITIONER OF RESPIRATORY
CARE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD
By: Michael J. Garcia, RRT, Practitioner of
Respiratory Care Advisor
Steven E. Kessinger, CRTT, Practitioner of Respiratory Care Advisor
Donald W. Wright, RRT, Practitioner of Respiratory Care Advisor
As respiratory care practitioners look toward license renewal after the turn of the year, the Practitioner of Respiratory Care Advisory Committee of the Board recommends that each licensed practitioner review continuing education responsibilities, and continue to maintain no less than the minimum required contact hours. This article will briefly review the continuing education requirements listed in the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC 630.530), and provide the current list of approved educational resource sites.
At the time of license renewal, each licensed practitioner must submit proof of satisfactory completion of the following number of contact hours of continuing professional education, sixty percent (60%) of which must be from an approved educational source directly related to the practice of respiratory care, and the remainder of which must be from an educational source approved by the board, and include two (2) contact hours in ethics.
For instance, if a practitioner was initially licensed sometime during the first six months of 2001 and applies for biennial renewal, he/she will need to submit proof of completion of twenty (20) continuing hours of professional education. All twenty hours must come from educational sources approved by the board. Twelve (12) of those twenty hours must be directly related to the practice of respiratory care, and two (2) of those twenty hours must be in ethics. If the practitioner was initially licensed at some point after the first six months of 2001, the following sliding scale requirements are applicable:
1. If licensed during the second six months of the biennial period of
registration - fifteen (15) hours, nine (9) of which must be directly related to
respiratory care.
2. If licensed during the third six months of the biennial period of
registration - ten (10) hours, six (6) of which must be directly related to
respiratory care.
3. If licensed during the fourth six months of the biennial period of
registration - five (5) hours, three (3) of which must be directly related to
respiratory care.
All practitioners seeking renewal must complete two (2) hours of continuing
professional education in the subject matter of ethics.
The board has approved the following sources of continuing professional
education:
The American Medical Association
The American Association for Respiratory Care
any American State Board of Respiratory Care
any American State Board of Nursing
The Center for Disease Control
The American Lung Association
The American Heart Association
The Red Cross of America
American Nurses Association
American Thoracic Society
American College of Chest Physicians
College of American Pathologists
Society for American Anesthesiology
Society for Critical Care Medicine
National Society for Cardiopulmonary Technology
www.learnwell.org (medical ethics online)
In addition to these approved sources for qualified continuing professional education, there are educational programs provided by various health care facilities that have been approved by the board.
Note: Any program approved by the American Association for Respiratory Care for Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) shall be accepted as being directly related to the practice of respiratory care. All other educational episodes submitted as being directly related to the practice of respiratory care will be approved at the discretion of the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners.
Specific structure of the continuing professional education requirements can be found under NAC 630.530 in the statutes/regulations book previously forwarded to all licensed practitioners. (Page 30 of the second section.)
Should you have further questions regarding practitioner of respiratory care
requirements for continuing professional education, please contact the Nevada
State Board of Medical Examiners.
REMAINDER OF 2003 BOARD MEETING/HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
September 1 Labor Day HOLIDAY
SEPTEMBER 4 & 5 (Thurs & Fri) BOARD MEETING NEVADA STATE CONTRACTORS BOARD, RENOOctober 31 Nevada Day (OBSERVED) HOLIDAY
November 11 Veteran’s Day (OBSERVED) HOLIDAY
November 27 & 28 Thanksgiving Day & Family Day HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 5 & 6 (Fri & Sat)
BOARD MEETING CONTACT BOARD OFFICE FOR LOCATIONDecember 25 Christmas Day HOLIDAY
NEVADA STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS DIVERSION
PROGRAM
By: Carol R. Bowers, R.N., C.D., Executive
Director -
Nevada Health Professionals
Assistance Foundation|
The Diversion Program had eight
physicians enter and complete treatment this year. They are all doing well and
being monitored by the program.
I used to wonder who in the world would allow themselves to be put into a
situation that would cost them their profession or their life. Now I know -- the
disease of addiction. This disease does not discriminate as to race, religion,
education or profession. The important aspect of this disease, however, is that
it is treatable. Individuals can be treated, return to work and live a life so
much better than they ever imagined possible. These individuals, however, cannot
reach out for help. They must rely on us to notice that they are having a
problem and care enough to do something to stop the disease process, even when
they may not know they have a problem or want the help. Once again, I am
enclosing a story written by a physician in the Diversion Program. I hope you
will take the time to read this story and then stop a moment to consider whether
you may know a physician who is in need of our services. We are here to help you
with not only assisting in getting help for the physician, but also to help you
decide whether assistance is even needed. Please feel free to give us a call
anytime.
Doctor, Anesthesiologist, Addict
One of the most beloved, and often
quoted chapters in the Personal Stories section of the "Big Book" of
Alcoholic's Anonymous is entitled: "Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict".
A success story, it chronicles a physician's descent into active chemical
dependency (both alcoholism and drug addiction); and the solutions he eventually
found in the 12-step recovery process suggested by A.A. It should come as
no surprise that chapter remains my personal favorite, as my story could aptly
be named Doctor, Anesthesiologist, Addict.
I am an early middle-aged
anesthesiologist; board certified and experienced. In the past I was viewed
by my peers as competent, efficient and one possessing leadership quality.
Typical of most physicians in general and anesthesiologists in particular, I had
no problem subordinating my life to the practice of medicine. Not one to say no,
I served on many committees and as Chief of my department for five years, while
maintaining a full load of clinical responsibilities within my group practice.
Eighty to one hundred hour workweeks was commonplace. Loneliness, exhaustion,
anxiety, anger and resentment were my constant companions. My family life
was virtually nonexistent. My wife and children were strangers to me.
I had no friends outside of my group and no social life to speak
of. Exercise or recreation was something akin to a fantasy. Never mind
trying to find an adequate adjective to describe my life. The truth is I
had no life. As we say in recovery circles "my life had become
unmanageable," even before the specter of the disease of addiction reared
its ugly head.
The disease of addiction was rampant
throughout my family, through multiple generations. In addition to my parents,
it had claimed several of my older siblings as well. As an adult child of
alcoholic parents I had assiduously avoided alcohol, thinking that if I simply
didn't drink then I couldn't become an alcoholic. What I failed to
appreciate was that I possessed the genetic predisposition for the disease of
addiction, and that it was only a matter of time before I discovered my
"drug of choice".
That discovery came at age
thirty-nine, while at the pinnacle of my financial and career success. My
drug of choice became sufentanil, a potent, short acting opiate
used as a component of anesthesia during many major procedures such as open
heart surgery and joint reconstructions. Although it can be inhaled
nasally, I chose to inject it intravenously.
Initially
the drug "worked" for me. It allowed me to escape the fear, anxiety,
loneliness, depression and self-critical thoughts, which plagued me. In no time
at all however, as with all drugs of abuse (alcohol is a drug) the sufentanil
stopped working. Opiate dependency and addiction were all that I was left
with. Within several months I looked like a typical "street
junkie". The only difference between them and me was the endless ready
source of sterile supplies and drugs, and the size of my bank account.
My thoughts were almost totally
preoccupied with the drug as I descended further and further into the horrors of
active addiction. My life became a continual, daily struggle to obtain
enough sufentanil, by any means necessary, to allow me to stay ahead of the
horrible syndrome of acute withdrawal. The disease co-opted every element
of my life. It took from me my integrity, my spirituality, my sense of moral
direction and honesty. I shunned my family, friends and colleagues. I scheduled
myself at the hospital more and more in order to be close to my supply. I
cancelled vacations and quit going to church. My patient care began to
suffer as well.
Fortunately, before I could harm a
patient, or kill myself, two loving partners, who, having observed my
deterioration over several months, finally had the courage to break through
their own denial, and refuse to believe my excuses and lies any
longer. With the help of Carol Bowers, R.N., C.A.C., who serves as the
Executive Director of the Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation, an
intervention was scheduled at my hospital. As a direct result of her caring and
professional interaction, the intervention was a success. I immediately entered
treatment at Talbott Recovery Campus in Atlanta; arguably the finest facility
specially suited for the particular needs of anesthesiologists and other health
care professionals. I spent fifteen weeks in treatment there before
returning to Nevada.
The treatment experience was the best
thing that ever happened to me. Not only did I enjoy my time there
immensely, but it also allowed me to face my own personal Goliath's and finally
deal with them through the multifaceted treatment approach unique to
Recovery. In addition, I learned to love and embrace the 12-steps of
recovery as suggested by Alcoholics Anonymous, and the fellowship found therein.
I continue that association here today. Perhaps most important, I found the
courage to admit that for me, a return to the insanity and temptation of a
career in anesthesia was far too dangerous, and so "retired" from
active practice upon my return.
To me, recovery from chemical
dependency is defined as learning a "new way of life through a new way
of thinking." It is much more than just beingabstinent from drugs or
alcohol. It is about finding
spiritual solutions to the challenges life brings to us all. I have been
blessed with that new life, a better, more fulfilling and balanced life. A life
that has allowed me to reconnect with my family, my spirituality and my
God. As a result, almost five years later I continue to enjoy serenity,
peace, love and happiness more often than not; even as I embark on a new path as
a medical administrator. In conclusion, I am grateful for the intervention which
allowed me to find a pathway to recovery from active addiction. It rescued a
family from certain oblivion. It not only saved my life but undoubtedly other
innocent lives as well. I am grateful my license to practice medicine was
preserved as a result of the enlightened thinking of the Medical
Board. Their willingness to accept addiction as the disease it is, and not
as a moral issue, has led them to provide a mechanism through the Diversion
Program of the Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation, whereby
impaired practitioners can safely seek and obtain treatment, and be returned to
practice as healthy, productive members of the medical community. I
encourage anyone who is concerned, to contact Carol Bowers, R.N., C.A.C. at
702-521-1398 or 702-233-6393 right away. The life you save may very well be
your own.
The purpose of the Diversion Program is to provide physicians, physicians assistants, osteopaths, and practitioners of respiratory care confidential means of seeking and obtaining evaluation, treatment and monitoring for addictive disease, disruptive behavior and mental or physical impairment. We currently have 65 participants under contract with an additional 100+ participants who have successfully completed their monitoring contracts. Diversion works. The Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation is contracted by the State Board of Medical Examiners as well as the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, to administer the Diversion program in the state of Nevada.
We currently have two Caduceus groups, one in Northern Nevada and one in Southern Nevada. These groups serve as a place for the physician to be with peers and discuss issues pertaining to chemical dependency. In addition to the Caduceus groups, there are weekly therapy groups in both regions as well.
The Foundation is available to the hospitals for presentations on addiction, disruptive behaviors, or to explain the role and functioning of the Diversion Program. Dr. Vic Rueckl, Dr. Roger Belcourt, Dr. Timothy Coughlin, Dr. Rex Baggett, Dr. Jerry
Cade and I are available upon request. The Foundation can and will assist you with any difficulties you are experiencing with physician health.
Do you know a colleague who needs help?
Call the Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation
for confidential, expert assistance.
Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation
Carol R. Bowers, R.N.,C.D., Executive Director
(702) 233-6393 OR (702) 521-1398 fax: (702) 242-3560
The board appreciates the hard work and dedication
of the Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation
in helping its licensees to continue safe practice
in the state of Nevada.
Your tax deductible contribution to the
Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation
to assist in its important service to physicians,
physician assistants and practitioners of respiratory
care in administering a Diversion Program
would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
Contributions may be made payable to
Nevada Health Professionals Assistance Foundation
and mailed to:
NHPAF
10525 Cerotto Ln
Las Vegas, NV 89135
PREJUDICIAL AND NON-PREJUDICIAL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS TAKEN AGAINST MEDICAL DOCTORS AS REPORTED TO THE FEDERATION OF STATE MEDICAL BOARDS
YEAR
REVOCATION PROBATION SUSPENSION MISCELLANEOUS * TOTAL
* MISCELLANEOUS actions include:
- License Restriction, Public Reprimand, Licensure Denied, CME Ordered,
LICENSURE STATISTICS - MEDICAL DOCTORS
|
YEAR: |
1987 |
1988 |
1989 |
1990 |
1991 |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
|
|
COUNTY |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Carson City |
66 |
74 |
72 |
73 |
79 |
90 |
88 |
95 |
98 |
104 |
110 |
109 |
115 |
127 |
125 |
137 |
|
|
Churchill |
13 |
14 |
12 |
11 |
13 |
11 |
13 |
17 |
19 |
19 |
20 |
24 |
25 |
22 |
21 |
21 |
|
|
Clark |
789 |
871 |
919 |
1021 |
1114 |
1199 |
1299 |
1418 |
1517 |
1701 |
1763 |
1907 |
2023 |
2153 |
2314 |
2321 |
|
|
Douglas |
21 |
21 |
23 |
28 |
22 |
24 |
30 |
36 |
37 |
43 |
48 |
54 |
57 |
63 |
67 |
72 |
|
|
Elko |
23 |
21 |
23 |
29 |
25 |
24 |
21 |
26 |
29 |
39 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
48 |
50 |
48 |
|
|
Esmeralda |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Eureka |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Humboldt |
5 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
|
|
Lander |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Lincoln |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Lyon |
5 |
5 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
6 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
10 |
14 |
|
|
Mineral |
5 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
Nye |
8 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
9 |
8 |
11 |
10 |
13 |
15 |
18 |
18 |
21 |
|
|
Pershing |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Storey |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Washoe |
540 |
572 |
579 |
617 |
611 |
636 |
661 |
693 |
692 |
734 |
732 |
778 |
797 |
824 |
889 |
879 |
|
|
White Pine |
4 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
5 |
8 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
11 |
|
|
Total Active Status In-State |
1487 |
1611 |
1666 |
1811 |
1895 |
2014 |
2144 |
2322 |
2424 |
2686 |
2760 |
2965 |
3113 |
3295 |
3523 |
3546 |
|
|
Total Active Status Out-of-State |
168 |
277 |
212 |
357 |
287 |
463 |
459 |
639 |
516 |
787 |
676 |
882 |
800 |
963 |
824 |
991 |
|
|
TOTAL ACTIVE STATUS |
1654 |
1888 |
1878 |
2168 |
2182 |
2477 |
2603 |
2961 |
2840 |
3473 |
3436 |
3847 |
3913 |
4258 |
4347 |
4537 |
|
|
Total Inactive and Retired Statuses |
982 |
981 |
993 |
987 |
1031 |
1003 |
983 |
960 |
1068 |
1049 |
1174 |
1158 |
1099 |
1084 |
1033 |
1010 |
|
|
TOTAL LICENSED - ALL STATUSES |
2637 |
2869 |
2871 |
3155 |
3213 |
3480 |
3586 |
3921 |
4008 |
4522 |
4610 |
5005 |
5012 |
5342 |
5380 |
5547 |
MEDICAL DOCTORS LICENSED TO PRACTICE IN MEDICALLY
UNDERSERVED AREAS OF NEVADA
FROM JULY 1987 THROUGH DECEMBER
2001
1) Restricted licenses issued under NRS 630.164 (rural exemption): 34 licenses issued
2) Temporary licenses issued to physicians in medically underserved rural areas: 71 licenses issued
3) Unrestricted licenses issued to physicians in medically underserved rural areas: 128 licenses issued
4) Temporary licenses issued to physicians in medically underserved urban areas: 66 licenses issued
5) Unrestricted licenses issued to physicians in medically underserved urban areas: 39 licenses issued
LICENSURE / POPULATION STATISTICS - MEDICAL DOCTORS
RATIO OF ACTIVE
IN-STATE M.D.'S
* CALENDAR YEAR (JANUARY - DECEMBER)
1980 - 2002:
Total new licenses issued
6,421
LICENSURE STATISTICS - PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
For year 2002 there were 223 physician assistants holding licensure in Nevada. 54 physician assistants were licensed for the first time by the BME during 2002. The chart below reflects a breakdown of the number of licensed physician’s assistants practicing in Nevada, by county, from 1992 through 2002.
YEAR
1992 1993 1994
1995 1996
1997 1998
1999 2000
2001 2002
COUNTY
Carson City 5
5 5
3 3
2 5
7 9
11 11
Churchill
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 2
2 3
3
Clark
40 44
58 72
72 77
94 118
116 129
153
Douglas
0 0
0 0
0 0
1 1
2 4
4
Elko
1 2
4 4
4 7
9 6
6 6
7
Esmeralda
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0
Eureka
0 0
0 0
1 1
1 1
1 0
1
Humboldt
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 1
1
Lander
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0
Lincoln
1 2
1 1
1 0
0 0
0 0
0
Lyon
0 0
0 0
1 2
2 4
4 2
1
Mineral
1 2
2 2
2 1
1 1
1 2
2
Nye
4 4
3 3
3 3
3 6
8 6
8
Pershing
0 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
0 0
0
Storey
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0
Washoe
3 4
7 10
10 18
23 26
25 28
30
White Pine
1 1
1 2
2 1
1
1 2
2 2
TOTAL 56 65 82 98 100 113 141 174 176 194 223
184 practitioners of respiratory care were
licensed for the first time by the BME during 2002. The chart below reflects a breakdown of the number of licensed practitioners of respiratory care practicing in Nevada, by county, from 2001 through 2002.YEAR
2001
2002
COUNTY
Carson City
11
14
Churchill
5
4
Clark
399
449
Douglas
12
19
Elko
6
6
Esmeralda
0
0
Eureka
0
0
Humboldt
4
10
Lander
2
2
Lincoln
2
2
Lyon
10
16
Mineral
2
2
Nye
7
15
Pershing
0
0
Storey
1
1
Washoe
122
154
White Pine
2
1
BOARD DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
ABEYATUNGE, Lambert R., M.D. (Las Vegas, NV)
Complaint Filed: 10/09/02 - Charged with: 1) Count One - violation of NRS 630.301(4), operating in the wrong area, not having previously marked the proper area for the operation, constituting malpractice; and 2) Count Two - violation of NRS 630.306(2)(a), engaging in conduct intended to deceive.
Board Action: 04/07/03 - The board found Dr. Abeyatunge guilty of Count One and NOT guilty of Count Two of the Complaint. The board ordered that Dr. Abeyatunge receive a public written reprimand, be fined $2,000.00, successfully complete ten hours of CME approved in advance by the board’s Secretary-Treasurer, and pay all administrative costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of the case against him in the amount of $9,344.00.
BOVELLE, Renee Claudia Bovelle, M.D. (Las Vegas, NV)
Complaint Filed: 11/13/02 - Charged with one count of violation of NRS 630.306(5), practicing medicine in the state of Nevada after having registered her license in inactive status and not having an active license to practice medicine in the state of Nevada.
Board Action: 06/24/03 - The board ordered that Dr. Bovelle receive a public written reprimand, be fined $5,000.00, successfully complete two hours of CME in the area of medical ethics, and pay all administrative costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of the case against her in the amount of $2,657.84.
CONTE, Richard R., M.D. (Carson City, NV)
Complaint Filed: 03/24/03 - Charged with four counts of violation of NRS 630.301(1), conviction of three counts of felony and an offense involving moral turpitude.
Voluntary Surrender of License: 05/31/03 - Dr. Conte waived his rights to a hearing, an appeal and any other rights that may be accorded him under NRS 630 and 233B, and entered into a Stipulation for Settlement of the Complaint filed against him in which he voluntarily surrendered his license to practice medicine in the state of Nevada while under investigation by the board.
Board Action: 06/0503 - The board accepted Dr. Conte’s voluntary surrender of his license to practice medicine in the state of Nevada while under investigation by the board effective May 31, 2003.
MOWER, Kenneth D., M.D. (Las Vegas, NV)
Complaint Filed: 11/20/02 - Charged with: 1) Count One - prescribing a lethal dose of an opiate to a patient constituting malpractice, which may be evidenced by claims settled against a practitioner, a violation of NRS 630.301(4); and 2) Count Two - his continuing practice of medicine during the pendency of the time necessary for a hearing on the Complaint would endanger the health, safety, and welfare of his patients, requiring emergency action and the summary suspension of his license.
Summary Suspension of License: 11/21/02 - The board summarily suspended Dr. Mower’s license to practice medicine in Nevada during the pendency of the time necessary for a hearing on the Complaint.
Board Action: 06/24/02 - The board revoked Dr. Mower’s license to practice medicine in the state of Nevada and ordered that he pay all administrative costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of the case against him in the amount of $46,006.72.
SCHMERLER, Elliott D., M.D. (Reno, NV)
Complaint Filed: 11/13/02 - Charged with one count of violation of NRS 630.301(1), the conviction of a Felony under the laws of the United States of America and on count of violation of NRS 630.301(1), an offense involving moral turpitude.
Board Action: 04/07/03 - The board revoked Dr. Schmerler’s license to practice medicine in Nevada, and ordered that he be fined $5,000,00 per count for a total of $10,000.00 and pay all administrative costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of the case against him in the amount of $7,296.52.
SELKIN, Robert P., M.D. (Charlotte, NC)
Complaint Filed: 11/13/02 - Charged with one count of violation of NRS 630.306(5), practicing medicine in the state of Nevada after the registration of his inactive status license and not having an active status license to practice medicine in the state of Nevada.
Board Action: 06/18/02 - The board accepted and approved a Stipulation for Settlement of the Complaint filed against Dr. Selkin, and ordered that he - having waived his rights to a hearing, an appeal and any other rights that may be accorded him under NRS 630 and 233B - be issued a public reprimand, pay the sum of $9,250.00 as disgorgement of payments which he received while not licensed in the state of Nevada to practice medicine, which payment shall be used by the board for future public protection enforcement and public awareness efforts, and be fined $1,000.00.
STEIN, Jeffrey, M.D. (Reno, NV)
Board Action: 01/29/03 - Charged with one count of violation of NRS 630.301(4), attempting to obtain a license to practice medicine by fraud and one count of violation of NRS 630.306(2)(a), engaging in conduct intended to deceive.
Board Action: 04/23/03 - The board ordered that Dr. Stein receive a public written reprimand, be fined $2,000.00 per count for a total of $4,000.00, successfully complete six hours of CME in the area of medical ethics approved in advance by the board’s Secretary-Treasurer, and pay all administrative costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of the case against him in the amount of $2,819.02.
WATSON, Robert W., M.D. (Reno, NV)
Complaint Filed: 12/12/02 - Charged with one count of violation of NRS 630.3065(2)(a), failure to comply with an order of the board’s investigative committee.
Board Action: 06/24/03 - The board ordered that Dr. Watson receive a public written reprimand, be fined $5,000.00, successfully complete two hours of CME, and pay all administrative costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of the case against him in the amount of $6,055.26.
PUBLIC REPRIMANDS ORDERED BY THE BOARD
JEFFREY STEIN, M.D.
Dear Dr. Stein:
On July 24, 2003, the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners entered its amended Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order in Case No. 03-12784-1, wherein the Board found you guilty of engaging in the act of attempting to obtain a license to practice medicine by fraud or misrepresentation, and guilty of having engaged in conduct intended to deceive when you answered "NO" to question No. 31 on the application.
The Board ORDERED therein as follows:
ROBERT PETER SELKIN, M.D.
Dear Dr. Selkin:
On March 7, 2003, the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners
approved the stipulation for settlement entered into between you and the
Investigative Committee.
In that stipulation you entered a plea of no contest to the
allegations contained in the complaint, which alleged, that you, while
registered Inactive in the state of Nevada and, after registering Inactive,
practiced medicine in the state of Nevada in violation of the provisions of NRS
630.306(5).
As a result of your stipulated settlement and the approval
thereof by the Board, the Board entered its ORDER as follows:
1. That you be issued a
public reprimand.
2. That you pay the sum of NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY
($9,250.00) DOLLARS within thirty (30) days of the
Order, as disgorgement of
payments received by you while not licensed in the state of Nevada, said payment to the
Board
to be used by the Board for future public protection enforcement and public awareness
efforts.
3. That you be fined the sum of ONE THOUSAND ($1,000.00)
DOLLARS.
Accordingly, it is my unpleasant duty as President of the
Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners to formally and publicly reprimand you
for your conduct which has brought personal and professional discredit upon you,
and which reflects unfavorably upon the medical profession as a whole.
CHERYL A. HUG-ENGLISH, M.D., President
NOTIFICATION OF ADDRESS CHANGE
Whenever a physician changes the location of his office, NRS 630.254 provides that:"Any licensee who changes
the location of his office in-state shall notify the board of the change
BEFORE practicing at the new location. Any licensee who closes his office in
this state, shall
notify the board of this occurrence within 14 days after the closure and for a
period of 5 years
thereafter keep the board apprized of the location of the medical records of his
patients."
(Please send this Address Change Notice to: Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners, PO Box 7238, Reno, NV 89510.)
Address Change Notice:
Date: _____________________________________ Nevada License #: _______________________
Name:
__________________________________________________________________________
(first)
(m.i.)
(last)
Current Public Mailing Address:
________________________________________________________
(street)
_________________________________________________________________________________
(city)
(state)
(zip)
County: ___________________________ Public Telephone No.:
_____________________________
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