Ohio psychiatrists disciplined

October 7, 2010

The State Medical Board of Ohio recently took the following disciplinary actions:

On May 13, 2010, the Board cited psychiatrist MUHAMMAD NASSIM AKHTAR with a proposed denial of license for having been convicted of one first-degree misdemeanor of Theft by Deception for having submitted billings and received payment from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for medical services not rendered and for billing for services of a higher value than those delivered. Akhtar pleaded guilty to the charge on February 19, 2010 and was sentenced to pay a fine of $250 and restitution of $7,829.65 that same day.  As a result, he was excluded from participation as an Ohio Medicaid provider.  Akhtar may request a hearing in the matter prior to the Board’s final determination.

On June 3, 2010, the Board cited psychiatrist MAHENDRA KUMAR MAHAJAN and placed him on probation for at least three years with limitations placed on his practice pending the completion of terms and conditions stated by the Board.  The Board determined that Mahajan departed from and failed to conform with the minimal standards of patient care by failing to appropriately document care rendered to ten specified patients.

On June 10, 2010, the Board cited psychiatrist EMMETT GEORGE COOPER with a proposed denial of license for failure to conform to the minimal standards of care and failure to maintain minimal standards applicable to the selection or administration of drugs to three patients.  Cooper failed to complete and maintain accurate medical records related to the prescribing of controlled substances.  The Respondent may request a hearing in the matter prior to the Board’s final determination in the matter.