End of year Naughty Businesses
In keeping with today's animal theme, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) just this month filed the following disciplinary actions between Aug. 16 and Nov. 20, 2007:
Benjamin Harman, D.V.M. (Allegany County) – On Nov. 20, the Board and Dr. Harman finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a resolution of a complaint. A canine owner filed a complaint after her dog was diagnosed as having a gauze square left in its abdomen after surgery performed by Dr. Harman. As part of the Consent Agreement, Dr. Harman was assessed a $1,000 civil penalty and was placed on a six-month probation.
Frederick K. Adams, D.V.M. (Montgomery County) – On Oct. 25, the Board and Dr. Adams finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a resolution of complaints filed by three pet owners. The Board concluded that Dr. Adams violated the Veterinary Practice Act by failing to provide basic care to the pets while under his care, providing false information to pet owners, and failing to take appropriate and timely steps to return pets despite frequent owner attempts to retrieve their pets. As a result, Dr. Adams’ license was suspended for six months, which was stayed. He was prohibited indefinitely from boarding and hospitalizing animals, and was placed on three years of probation.
Timothy J. Cujdik, D.V.M. (Baltimore County) – On Oct. 18, the Board and Dr. Cujdik finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a disciplinary action for Dr. Cujdik practicing veterinary medicine without a valid veterinary registration. Dr. Cujdik took steps to renew his registration for the 2006-2007 Licensing Year before the Board took disciplinary action on his license. He was assessed a $250 civil penalty, which has been paid.
Richard L. Springer, D.V.M. (Prince George’s County) – On Oct. 17, the Board and Dr. Springer finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a resolution to a complaint filed by a dog owner. The Board concluded that Dr. Springer violated the Veterinary Practice Act by failing to meet record keeping requirements and providing substandard care. His license was suspended for two weeks, which was stayed. Additionally, Dr. Springer was assessed a $1,850 civil penalty and was placed on a six-month probation.
Badr E. Oweis, D.V.M. (Baltimore County) – On Aug. 16, the Board and Dr. Oweis finalized two Consent Agreements concerning separate disciplinary actions. Under the first agreement, Dr. Oweis was charged with failing to meet at least the minimal standards of care in conjunction with a dog’s surgery. He was assessed a $1,000 civil penalty, which was stayed in exchange for reimbursement of the pet owner’s subsequent veterinary fees. Dr. Oweis’ license was suspended for 60 days, which was stayed and he was placed on probation for one year. Under the second agreement, Dr. Oweis was charged with failing to provide appropriate care to a boarded pet, failing to meet at least the minimal standards of care in conjunction with a rabbit’s surgery, and failing o comply with record-keeping requirements. Dr. Oweis was assessed a $3,600 civil penalty, which was stayed. His license was suspended for 42 days, of which 14 days were stayed, and he was placed on probation for one year. The probationary period imposed on Dr. Oweis for the two cases is to be served concurrently.
Categories: Consumer protection, Naughty businesses/NBotW, Pets
Comments
More info on the Adams case can be found on my blog, badvetdaily.blogspot.com
Also, more disciplinary actions can be found on my website, www.TheTooncesProject.com
Maryland issues many more actions every year. I request them annually and place them on the TooncesProject site when I can
DD: Thanks for letting us know, Stefani.
Posted by: Stefani | October 8, 2008 8:30 PM