In the state of New Jersey, a physician accused of a sex crime isn’t necessarily sent to prison or prohibited from practicing.  The general practice is for the state to seek immediate license suspension. Then, if a doctor is found guilty, the state pushes for revocation or long-term suspension.

Gangaram Ragi, Image Courtesy of The Bad Doctor Database

The Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, a nonprofit advocacy organization, found that New Jersey is one of the ten worst states for disciplining physician offenders.  “The duty of the medical board is to protect patients. But unfortunately, by not taking the proper actions against those physicians, they’re actually serving as a tool (to) serve their peers,” Azza AbuDagga, the group’s health services researcher said.  “I don’t see the medical community is interested in solving that problem, from what we’re seeing so far.”  To make matters worse, because patients who believe they were sexually assaulted by trusted medical personnel are often embarrassed and shocked by the experience, studies show only one in ten patients actually report an offense.  So, many offending physicians continue to get away with their crimes.A statement from the State Board of Medical Examiners’ President George Scott, read: “We share and reaffirm our commitment to ensure the board does everything to protect the public and to hold those who engage in sexual misconduct accountable for their actions.”  Unfortunately, the data doesn’t match his sentiments.

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Wayne Doctor Loses Medical License Over Sexual Contact ChargesIs your doctor a perv? In NJ, even ones who commit sex crimes can get licenses back