Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General

Division of Consumer Affairs
Reni Erdos, Director

For Immediate Release:
January 23, 2004

For Further Information Contact:
Genene Morris, Jeff Lamm
973-504-6327

NEWARK - The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners has temporarily suspended the license of a North Jersey physician, George M. Mirda, after finding he practiced medicine and prescribed controlled dangerous substances without having an active license to do so, Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos said.

The Board's decision, rendered Wednesday following a hearing, comes after the State filed suit against Mirda, alleging he failed to renew his medical license in New Jersey. Despite this fact, the complaint alleges, Mirda continued practicing medicine in Jersey City where he admittedly provided medical care to at least 60 patients. Mirda who specializes in family practice testified during an appearance before a committee of the Board that he performed house calls in Jersey City, the State's complaint alleges.

The suspension took effect immediately.

In addition to practicing without an active license, the State's complaint alleges that Mirda failed to cooperate with its investigation into his activities by refusing to answer questions relating to his knowledge of treating diabetes, hypertension and arteriosclerosis vascular disease, conditions afflicting some of the patients he admitted to treating.

The complaint also alleges that Mirda failed to maintain malpractice insurance, as required by law, and illegally prescribed controlled dangerous substances to patients despite not having an active license nor active CDS and Drug Enforcement Agency registrations.

"We took these measures because Dr. Mirda's actions raise serious concerns about his ability to comply with rules governing the practice of medicine in the State of New Jersey and to provide appropriate care to his patients,"Attorney General Harvey said. "Absent formal action by the Board of Medical Examiners, Dr. Mirda would have been eligible to renew his license and continue to practice medicine."

"Individuals who seek medical care in New Jersey deserve to know that they are being treated by licensed professionals who are qualified to carry out the duties of a licensed medical professional," First Assistant Attorney General Edward M. Neafsey said. "This action says that we take seriously any attempt by anyone to thwart our ability to protect the public."

"The primary purpose for licensing professionals is to ensure they meet basic requirements," Director Erdos said. "Dr. Mirda's decision to flout his obligations under the law and his failure to cooperate with our investigation are reprehensible and intolerable."

Under the terms of the order, Mirda may seek to vacate the suspension after he has completed and filed applications to renew his medical license, CDS and DEA registrations; has obtained a letter of commitment from a medical malpractice insurance provider to issue insurance or a letter of credit as required by law; and has appeared before a committee of the Board and has answered all questions posed to him regarding his general medical knowledge.

Deputy Attorney General Megan K. Matthews of the Division of Law handled this matter for the State.