State temporarily suspends license of psychiatric arrested for assault of patient

The Delaware Board of Medical Practice has issued an emergency, temporary suspension of Dr. Allen C. Weiss’s medical license for engaging in activities that present “a clear and immediate danger to the public health.”

Allegations against the Milford psychiatrist include violations in the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances and in the keeping of patient records, Delaware Department of State spokesman Christopher R. Portante said.

The board acted after receiving a written complaint and motion for temporary suspension from the Delaware Department of Justice.

Weiss, 64, has also been accused of “bizarre behavior, including biting his hands and fingers, [and] verbal abuse of patients and pharmacists.”  

This emergency action, taken on June 17, is also based on allegations that on June 9 Weiss verbally and physically abused a patient, resulting in an arrest and charges of unlawful imprisonment in the second degree and assault in the third degree.

Weiss was given notice of the proposed suspension, but did not appear at a June 16 meeting to contest the action.

Weiss could not be reached for comment.

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock had already suspended Weiss’ controlled substance registration back on June 10. In accordance with state law, all controlled substances owned by or in possession of Weiss were placed under seal by the director of the Office of Controlled Substances.

On June 10, Delaware State Police arrested Weiss and charged him with unlawful imprisonment and third-degree assault, state police Sgt. Walter Newton said.

The doctor had called 911 to report a disorderly patient at his office, which is also his home, in the 100 block of Russell Road, Milford, Newton said. But he told police the patient left.

Police later received a report from Milford Memorial Hospital of a 28-year-old woman who came in and said she was assaulted at the doctor’s office, Newton said. The woman told police she was a first time patient and during her session, the doctor became enraged, took off his belt and unbuttoned the top button on his pants.

She said that when she tried to leave, the doctor grabbed her by the arm and tried to pull her back into the office, Newton said. The victim eventually exited the waiting room and ran to a car that was waiting for her and was driven to the hospital.

Police arrested Weiss and charged him with unlawful imprisonment and third-degree assault. He was released on unsecured bond pending a formal arraignment, Newton said.

Source: "Milford psychiatrist loses state license temporarily," Dover News, June 25, 2010.

IF YOUR PSYCHOLOGIST, PSYCHIATRIST OR OTHER MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER HAS ENGAGED IN ANY THREATENING, VIOLENT OR SEXUAL BEHAVIOR WITH YOU, REPORT IT TO THE POLICE AND TO CITIZENS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, WHO CAN ASSIST YOU IN FILING REPORTS, COMPLAINTS, ETC.  PLEASE CONTACT STEVE WAGNER, DIRECTOR OF LITIGATION AT [email protected]