Union County Dentist Surrenders His License Following His Arrest on Drug Possession Charges
NEWARK – Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced today that a Union County dentist has surrendered his license following his arrest on charges of drug possession.
Dr. Frederick D. Bailey, 56, who practices in Union Township, entered into an Interim Consent Order with the State Board of Dentistry ("the Board"), as both parties agreed to a suspension of his license until further action by the Board. Bailey signed the Order hours before the Board was scheduled to hear an application by the Attorney General to suspend his license in the wake of his August 22 arrest at his home by the Denville Police.
The Attorney General's Verified Complaint details the facts surrounding Dr. Bailey's arrest. These allegations include that Bailey was in possession of crystal methamphetamine at the time of his arrest; had obtained Adderall and other prescription medications through fraud; and was in possession of drug paraphernalia including a glass smoking pipe, digital scale and hypodermic needle. According to the Verified Complaint filed with the Board by Attorney General Porrino on August 29, on the night of his arrest, Bailey and his longtime partner had smoked crystal methamphetamine in his home with a man they had met on a social dating site, and that Bailey had provided that individual with a needle to inject crystal methamphetamine. The Complaint further alleges that Bailey uses Adderall without a prescription, and that he prescribes pain medication in the name of his partner for his own use. Dr. Bailey was also alleged to have obtained crystal methamphetamine by having it sent via Fed Ex to his dental office.
"Health care providers have a fundamental duty to put the safety of their patients above all else. Any practitioner who engages in the use of illegal street drugs demonstrates a blatant disregard for that responsibility and poses a clear and imminent danger to anyone in their care," said Attorney General Porrino. "We will not allow dentists or any other health care professional to play fast and loose with the safety of their patients."
"The allegations against Dr. Bailey indicate a disturbing lack of judgment that calls into question his fitness to practice," said Steve Lee, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "By temporarily suspending his license, the Board has acted to protect the public while these very serious charges are pending."
In entering the Consent Order announced today, Bailey has agreed to the suspension of his license to practice dentistry in any way until further action by the Board.
Under the Consent Order, Bailey also has agreed to enroll in a Professional Assistance Program and to comply with recommendations for treatment, including, but not limited to: monthly face-to-face contact with representatives from that program; attendance at support groups, including Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous at a minimum of three times per week; urine monitoring not less than once a week; and continued therapy with a psychiatrist or therapist, if recommended.
Additionally, under the terms of the Consent Order, prior to any restoration of his license, Bailey must demonstrate to the Board, among other things: a minimum of six-months of abstaining from use of any psychoactive substances, including alcohol,; that he is physically and psychologically fit; that he is capable of discharging the functions of a licensee in a manner consistent with the public's health, safety, and welfare; and that he is not suffering from any impairment or limitations resulting from the use of, or in possession of any controlled dangerous substance, whether legal or illegal, which could affect his practice.
Nothing in the Consent Order prevents the Board from taking any action it deems appropriate, including revocation of Bailey's license, should the Board determine that such action is warranted. The Board specifically reserves its right to take disciplinary action immediately upon Bailey's conviction of criminal charges related to his August 22nd arrest and/or his entry into any pre-trial diversionary program.
The Division of Consumer Affairs' Enforcement Bureau conducted these investigations.
Deputy Attorney General David M. Puteska, Assistant Section Chief of the Division of Law's Professional Boards Prosecution Section, represented the State in this matter.
Joel Harris, Esq. of Morristown represents Bailey in this matter.
Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an
online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its
website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504- 6200.
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