NEWARK - The State Board of Medical Examiners (BME) has revoked the license of Leonard S. Papel, D.O., after an administrative law judge found that the doctor committed fraud as well as gross and repeated negligence and malpractice in the treatment of patients, Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos announced.

Dr. Papel, who formerly maintained offices in Paterson and Passaic, was found to have:

• allowed unlicensed personnel to conduct examinations of patients;
  
  
• performed certain testing that was not medically justified;
  
  
• submitted bills for testing that was not performed;
  
  
• failed to maintain complete and accurate patient records; and
  
  
• submitted fabricated medical reports to personal injury attorneys.

In examining the records of 13 patients who were treated by Dr. Papel between 1995 and 2001, the BME found reports that were identical word for word, following alleged testing. Experts testified that these reports were not plausibile and also were inconsistent with the actual examination data in the patient charts.

"This doctor showed a complete disregard for his patients, the medical profession and the laws of this state," said Attorney General Harvey. "The Board correctly concluded that he is not fit to practice medicine in New Jersey."

"Let the license revocation and stiff fine issued in this case serve as a warning to others who think they can abuse our medical system," Director Erdos added. "We will find you, punish you and make sure you can no longer put patients in harm’s way."

Dr. Papel was ordered to pay $64,222.50 in reimbursement to the State for investigative costs and expert witness and attorney’s fees, in addition to the $250,000 in penalties to the State and $19,981 in reimbursement to insurance companies.

Deputy Attorney General Joan D. Gelber handled this case on behalf of the State.