Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE
Respondent: CRAIG SAMUEL ADERHOLDT, D.C.
Judges: ELIZABETH W. MCARTHUR
Agency: Department of Health
Locations: Tampa, Florida
Filed: Aug. 27, 2018
Status: Closed
Recommended Order on Friday, February 15, 2019.
Latest Update: Jul. 22, 2019
Summary: The issues in these consolidated cases are whether Respondent committed the violations charged in four Administrative Complaints and, if so, what is the appropriate discipline.Dr. did not give medical records to 2 patients & did not provide copies of Medicare claims to 1 patient. No wrongful intent proven. DOH did not prove other charges, & matters not alleged or charged, in attempt to revoke lic. for fraud/exploitation.
STATE OF FLORIDA
BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,
PETITIONER,
v. CASE NO. 2014-04395
CRAIG SAMUEL ApEn D.C.
RESPONDENT.
/
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
Petitioner, Department of Health (‘Department’), by and through its
undersigned counsel, files this Administrative Complaint before the Board of
Chiropractic Medicine (“Board”) against Respondent, Craig Samuel
Aderholdt, D.C. (‘Respondent’) In support, Petitioner alleges:
1. Petitioner is the state department charged with regulating the
practice of Chiropractic Medicine pursuant to Section 20.43, Florida Statutes;
Chapter 456, Florida Statutes; and Chapter 460, Florida Statutes.
2. Atall times material to this Complaint, Respondent was licensed
to practice chiropractic medicine in the State of Florida, having been issued
License Number CH 7814.
3. Respondent's address of record is 5221 26th Street West,
Bradenton, Florida 34207.
4, From on or about April 2013, through on or about June 2013,
(‘treatment period”), Respondent treated Patient R.O., for back pain.
5. Respondent informed Patient R.O. that he could help with Patient
R.O.’S back pain through utilizing VAX-D therapy.
6. Respondent informed Patient R.O. that VAX-D therapy would not
be covered by Patient’s R.O.'s
five thousand, five hundred dol
7. On or about April
insurance and required Patient R.O. to pay
lars ($5,500.00) for treatment.
17, 2013, Patient R.O., lacking financial
resources, completed a Care Credit application that was approved in the
amount five thousand, five hundred dollars ($5,500.00), the amount needed
by Respondent to treat Patient
RO.
8. Although Respondent previously informed Patient R.O. that his
VAX-D therapy would not be co
Explanation of Benefits from BI
Vered by insurance, Patient R.O. received an
ue Shield, Patient R.O.’s insurance provider,
showing that Respondent filed for reimbursement for Patient’s R.O.’s Vax-D
therapy on one or more occasian.
9, Patient R.O. requested medical records from Respondent.
10. | Respondent failed to provide medical records to Patient R.O.
11. Patient R.O. requested updated patient ledger information from
Respondent.
12. Respondent failed jto provide Patient R.O. with the updated
patient ledger information.
13. On one or more occasion, Respondent documented having
performed an adjustment of a fused segment? on Patient R.O.
14. The level of care, skill, and treatment which is recognized by a
reasonably prudent chiropractic physician as being acceptable under similar
conditions requires that a chiropractor not attempt to perform an adjustment
of a fused segment as an adjustment of that segment cannot be physically
done due to the segment previously being fused together to prevent
movement.
15. Respondent violated the standard of care for chiropractors when
he adjusted a fused segment on Patient R.O.
COUNT I
16. Petitioner re-alleg@s and incorporates paragraphs one (1)
' A fused segment is a neurosurgical or orthopedic surgical technique that joins two or more vertebrae.
This procedure can be performed at any level in the spine and prevents any movement between the
fused vertebrae.
3
through three (3), eight (8), an
17, Section 460.413(1
d nine (9), as if fully set forth herein.
(i), Florida Statutes (2012-2013), provides
that failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation placed upon a
licensed chiropractic physician shall be grounds for discipline.
18. Rule 64B2-17.0055
1), Florida Administrative Code (2012-2013),
provides that any person licensed pursuant to Chapter 460, Florida Statutes,
is required to release copies of
patient or his legal representati
19.
violating rule 64B2-17.0055(1
patient medical records upon request of the
ive.
Respondent violated section 460.413(1)(i), Florida Statutes, by
, Florida Administrative Code (2012-2013),
when Respondent failed to provide Patient R.O. with his medical records.
20. Based on the
460.413(1)(i), Florida Statu
eee
Respondent violated section
es, by violating 64B2-17.0055 Florida
Administrative Code, when he failed to provide Patient R.O. with his medical
records,
21.
COUNT IT
Petitioner re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1)
through three (3), ten (10), and eleven (11), as if fully set forth herein.
22. Section 460.413(1)(aa), Florida Statutes (2012-2013), provides
that failing to provide, upon request of the insured, a copy of a claim
submitted to any third-party payor for service or treatment of the insured
shall be grounds for discipline.
23. Respondent failed to provide Patient R.O. with copies of his
updated claim information when requested.
24. Based on the foregoing, Respondent violated section
460.413(1)(aa), Florida Statutes (2012-2013), by failing to provide, upon
request of the insured, a copy of a claim submitted to any third-party payor
for service or treatment of the insured.
COUNT III
25. Petitioner re-alleg¢s and incorporates paragraphs one (1)
through twelve (12), as if fully set forth herein.
26. Section 460.413(1){k), Florida Statutes (2012-2013), provides
that making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in
the practice of chiropractic medicine or employing a trick or scheme in the
practice of chiropractic medicine when such trick or scheme fails to conform
to the generally prevailing standards of treatment in the chiropractic medical
community shall be grounds for discipline.
27. Respondent violated section 460.413(1)(k), Florida Statutes in
the following ways:
a. by telling Patient R.O. that Respondent’s treatment of Patient
R.O. was not covered by insurance;
b. by representing to Patient R.O. that no claims with his insurance
would be filed by Respondent;
c. by filing claims with| Patient R.O.’s insurance for which monetary
compensation was received by Respondent; and,
d. by failing to provide|Patient R.O. with any form of reimbursement
he obtained from Patient R.O.’s insurance provider.
28. Based on the foregoing, Respondent violated section
460.413(1)(k), Florida Statutes, when he made a misleading, deceptive,
untrue, or fraudulent representation to Patient RO. in the practice of
chiropractic which failed to conform to the prevailing standard of care in the
chiropractic medical community.
COUNT IV
29. Petitioner re-alleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1)
through three (3), twelve (12),|and thirteen (13), as if fully set forth herein.
30. Section 460.413(1)(r), Florida Statutes (2012-2013), provides in
pertinent part that gross or repeated malpractice or the failure to practice
chiropractic medicine at a level of care, skill, and treatment which is
recognized by a reasonably| prudent chiropractic physician as being
acceptable under similar conditions and circumstances shall be grounds for
discipline.
_ 31. Respondent violated section 460.413(1)(r), Florida Statutes
(2012-2013), when on one or more occasion, Respondent adjusted a fused
segment on Patient R.O. when jt was not physically possible for Respondent
to have adjusted the fused segment due to it being previously fused together
to prevent movement.
32. Based on the . foregoing, Respondent violated section
460.413(1)(r), Florida Statutes, when he failed to practice chiropractic
medicine at a level of care, skill, and treatment recognized by a reasonably
prudent chiropractic physician as being acceptable under similar conditions
when he adjusted a fused segment on Patient R.O. |
WHEREFORE, the Petitioner respectfully requests that the Board of
Chiropractic Medicine enter an order imposing one or more of the following
penalties: permanent revocation or suspension of Respondent's license,
restriction of practice, imposition of an administrative fine, issuance of a
reprimand, placement of the Respondent on probation, corrective action,
refund of fees billed or collected, remedial education and/or any other relief
that the Board of Chiropractic Medicine deems appropriate. —
SIGNED this_ AO __day of “Wane , 2018.
Celeste Philip, M.D., M.P.H.
Surgeon General and Secretary,
Derrick J. McBurrows
Assistant General Counsel
DOH Prosecution Services Unit
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-65
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3265
FILED
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
DEPUTY CLERK Florida Bar #1002311
DATE. JUN 2 0 2018 Phone 850-558-9906
FAX 850-245-4681
derrick. mcburrows@flhealth.gov
PCP Date: 6-19-18
PCP Panel Members: Fox and Vogel
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
Respondent has the right to request a hearing to be conducted
in accordance with Section 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes,
to be represented by counsel or other qualified representative, to
present evidence and argument, to call and cross-examine
witnesses and to have subpoena and subpoena duces tecum issued
on his or her behalf if a hearing is requested. A request or petition
for an administrative heating must be in writing and must be
received by the Department within 21 days from the day
Respondent received the Administrative Complaint, pursuant to
Rule 28-106.111(2), Florida Administrative Code. If Respondent
fails to request a hearing within 21 days of receipt of this
Administrative Complaint, "Respondent waives the right to request
a hearing on the facts alleged in this Administrative Complaint
pursuant to Rule 28-106.111(4), Florida Administrative Code. Any
request for an administrative proceeding to challenge or contest
the material facts or charges contained in the Administrative
Complaint must conform to Rule 28-106.2015(5), Florida
Administrative Code. _
Please be advised that mediation under Section 120.573,
Florida Statutes, is not available for administrative disputes
involving this agency action.
NOTICE REGARDING ASSESSMENT OF COSTS
Respondent is placed|on notice that Petitioner has incurred
costs related to the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
Pursuant to Section 456.072(4), Florida Statutes, the Board shall -
assess costs related to the investigation and prosecution of a
disciplinary matter, which may include attorney hours and costs,
on the Respondent in addition to any other discipline imposed.
Docket for Case No: 18-004486PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Jul. 22, 2019 |
Agency Final Order filed.
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May 03, 2019 |
Transmittal letter from Claudia Llado forwarding Petitioner's proposed Exhibits not admitted in evidence to Petitioner.
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May 03, 2019 |
Transmittal letter from Claudia Llado forwarding Respondent's unredacted proposed exhibits, not offered in evidence and Respondent's partially redacted exhibigts 2b, c, and d, not offered into evidence to Respondent.
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Apr. 09, 2019 |
Respondent's Motion to Continue Appearance at Board Meeting filed.
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Feb. 15, 2019 |
Recommended Order (hearing held November 5 and 6, 2018). CASE CLOSED.
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Feb. 15, 2019 |
Recommended Order cover letter identifying the hearing record referred to the Agency.
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Jan. 07, 2019 |
Petitioner's Proposed Recommended Order filed.
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Jan. 07, 2019 |
Respondent's Proposed Order filed.
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Jan. 07, 2019 |
Respondent's Proposed Order filed.
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Jan. 07, 2019 |
Proposed Order filed. (DUPLICATE)
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Jan. 07, 2019 |
Respondent's Proposed Order filed.
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Jan. 07, 2019 |
Respondent's Closing Statement filed.
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Dec. 28, 2018 |
Joint Exhibit Replacement Pages filed.
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Dec. 07, 2018 |
Notice of Filing Transcript.
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Dec. 07, 2018 |
Transcript of Proceedings (not available for viewing) filed. |
Nov. 19, 2018 |
Respondent's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). |
Nov. 19, 2018 |
Respondent's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). |
Nov. 05, 2018 |
CASE STATUS: Hearing Held. |
Nov. 02, 2018 |
Joint Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). (Redacted) |
Nov. 02, 2018 |
Notice of Filing (e-mail dated October 1, 2018 referenced in Respondent's Motion in Limine) filed.
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Nov. 02, 2018 |
Letter from Ashley Riedner Regarding Request for Telephone Hearing filed.
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Nov. 02, 2018 |
Respondent's Motion in Limine filed.
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Nov. 02, 2018 |
Respondent's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). |
Nov. 01, 2018 |
Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). |
Nov. 01, 2018 |
Joint Proposed Exhibits filed. (exhibits not available for viewing)
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Nov. 01, 2018 |
Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). |
Oct. 31, 2018 |
Joint Pre-hearing Stipulation filed.
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Oct. 31, 2018 |
Petitioner's Motion in Limine to Exclude Respondent's Witness-Frances Richmond filed (medical information; not available for viewing). 
 Confidential document; not available for viewing. |
Oct. 30, 2018 |
Notice of Intent to Seek to Admit Records Pursuant to Section 90.803(6)(c), Florida Statutes filed.
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Oct. 29, 2018 |
Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing). |
Oct. 29, 2018 |
Petitioner's Notice of Filing Proposed Trial Exhibits filed.
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Oct. 29, 2018 |
Notice of Filing Exhibits filed.
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Oct. 29, 2018 |
Order on Petitioner's Motion to Compel Discovery.
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Oct. 26, 2018 |
CASE STATUS: Motion Hearing Held. |
Oct. 26, 2018 |
Order Denying Motion for Protective Order.
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Oct. 25, 2018 |
Notice of Telephonic Motion Hearing (motion hearing set for October 26, 2018; 10:30 a.m.).
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Oct. 25, 2018 |
Motion for Protective Order filed.
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Oct. 24, 2018 |
Response to Petitioner's Motion to Compel Discovery filed.
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Oct. 24, 2018 |
Petitioner's Motion to Compel Discovery filed.
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Oct. 22, 2018 |
Amended Notice of Taking Deposition Ad Testificandum (Aderholdt) filed.
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Oct. 19, 2018 |
Amended Notice of Taking Telephonic Deposition Ad Testificandum (LaRusso) filed.
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Oct. 19, 2018 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Ad Testificandum (LaRusso) filed.
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Oct. 19, 2018 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Ad Testificandum (Aderholdt) filed.
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Oct. 17, 2018 |
Order Granting Continuance and Rescheduling Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for November 5 and 6, 2018; 9:30 a.m.; Tampa and Tallahassee, FL).
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Oct. 15, 2018 |
Unopposed Motion to Continue Hearing filed.
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Oct. 04, 2018 |
Amended Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for October 24 and 25, 2018; 9:30 a.m.; Tampa and Tallahassee, FL; amended as to location and type (VTC instead of live in Tampa)).
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Oct. 03, 2018 |
Notice of Filing Respondent's Answer to Petitioners First Request for Admissions, Petitioner's First Set of Interrogatories, and First Request for Production (filed in Case No. 18-004485PL).
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Oct. 03, 2018 |
Notice of Filing Respondent's Answer to Petitioners First Request for Admissions, Petitioner's First Set of Interrogatories, and First Request for Production filed.
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Oct. 03, 2018 |
Notice of Filing Respondent's Answer to Petitioners First Request for Admissions, Petitioner's First Set of Interrogatories, and First Request for Production (filed in Case No. 18-004487PL).
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Sep. 25, 2018 |
Petitioner's Amended Notice of Taking Telephonic Deposition in Lieu of Live Testimony (M.L.) filed.
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Sep. 24, 2018 |
Petitioner's Amended Notice of Taking Telephonic Deposition in Lieu of Live Testimony filed.
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Sep. 24, 2018 |
Petitioner's Notice of Taking Deposition (C. A.) filed.
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Sep. 24, 2018 |
Petitioner's Notice of Taking Deposition in Lieu of Live Testimony (M. L.) filed.
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Sep. 24, 2018 |
Petitioner's Notice of Taking Telephonic Deposition in Lieu of Live Testimony (P.D., D.D.) filed.
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Sep. 24, 2018 |
Peitioner's Notice of Taking Deposition in Lieu of Live Testimony (R.O., B.O.) filed.
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Sep. 24, 2018 |
Petitioner's Notice of Taking Deposition in Lieu of Live Testimony (A.M., J.M.) filed.
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Sep. 21, 2018 |
Notice of Court Reporter filed.
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Sep. 21, 2018 |
Amended Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum (via video conference) filed.
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Sep. 20, 2018 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum (filed in Case No. 18-004487PL).
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Sep. 20, 2018 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum (filed in Case No. 18-004486PL).
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Sep. 20, 2018 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum (filed in Case No. 18-004485PL).
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Sep. 20, 2018 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum (Dr. Shreeve) filed.
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Sep. 19, 2018 |
Notice of Filing of Petitioner's Second Requests for Interrogatories and Production filed.
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Sep. 17, 2018 |
Petitioner's Amended Response to Respondent's Motion for Protective Order filed.
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Sep. 17, 2018 |
Petitioner's Response to Respondent's Motion for Protective Order filed.
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Sep. 17, 2018 |
Protective Order.
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Sep. 14, 2018 |
Motion for Protective Order (filed in Case No. 18-004487PL).
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Sep. 14, 2018 |
Motion for Protective Order (filed in Case No. 18-004486PL).
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Sep. 14, 2018 |
Motion for Protective Order filed.
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Sep. 14, 2018 |
Motion for Protective Order (filed in Case No. 18-004485PL).
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Sep. 14, 2018 |
Notice of Appearance filed.
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Sep. 07, 2018 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
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Sep. 07, 2018 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for October 24 and 25, 2018; 9:30 a.m.; Tampa, FL).
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Sep. 06, 2018 |
Order of Consolidation (DOAH Case Nos. 18-4484PL, 18-4485PL, 18-4486PL, and 18-4487PL).
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Aug. 30, 2018 |
Notice of Filing Petitioner's First Request for Admissions, Petitioner's First Set of Interrogatories, and First Request for Production filed.
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Aug. 28, 2018 |
Initial Order.
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Aug. 27, 2018 |
Election of Rights filed.
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Aug. 27, 2018 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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Aug. 27, 2018 |
Agency referral filed.
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Orders for Case No: 18-004486PL
Issue Date |
Document |
Summary |
Jul. 18, 2019 |
Agency Final Order
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Feb. 15, 2019 |
Recommended Order
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Dr. did not give medical records to 2 patients & did not provide copies of Medicare claims to 1 patient. No wrongful intent proven. DOH did not prove other charges, & matters not alleged or charged, in attempt to revoke lic. for fraud/exploitation.
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