New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners Suspends Medical License of Middlesex Neurologist Charged With Improperly Touching Female Patient During Exams
NEWARK – A Committee of the State Board of Medical Examiners (BME) has ordered the temporary suspension of the medical license of Dr. Farooq Rehman, a Middlesex neurologist accused of improperly touching a female patient during two separate examinations at his Neurology Consultants of Central Jersey office in Old Bridge.
In a Verified Complaint filed November 2, 2015, the 61-year-old doctor is accused of sexual misconduct against a 37-year-old female patient who sought treatment for weakness in her hand. As alleged in the Complaint, while conducting a medical examination of the patient on August 26, 2015, Rehman "inappropriately and without medical justification, groped the patient's buttocks, fondled her bare breasts, and touched her genital area over her clothing several times…for his own prurient interests."
When the patient returned for a follow up visit on September 9th, she secretly recorded the examination on her cell phone. The video shows that during this second examination Rehman fondled her breasts, thighs, hips, and buttocks, and touched her genital area. The complaint also alleges that Rehman, who became sexually aroused during both exams, ignored the woman's repeated questions as to why this kind of touching was necessary for the treatment of her hand.
After reviewing the video and other evidence during a hearing on November 13, 2015, the Committee found that Rehman touched the woman in a way that "exceeded any appropriate neurological examination." In suspending Rehman's license, the Committee found his actions particularly "insidious and furtive" because he committed the lewd acts under the guise of a necessary medical examination.
"Dr. Rehman is accused of violating the sacred trust at the heart of every doctor-patient relationship," said Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman. "His alleged actions are not only illegal and unethical; they are an outrageous breach of the most basic standard of care in the medical profession. By suspending Dr. Rehman's license, the Board of Medical Examiners is fulfilling its duty to protect the public from harm."
"Dr. Rehman is accused of preying on his patient in the most invasive way possible," said Steve Lee, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "He is accused of using his position of trust as a doctor to satisfy his own deviant sexual desires. Until the Board of Medical Examiners takes final action in this case, Dr. Rehman will have no contact with patients."
The license suspension follows Rehman's September 22, 2015 arrest on charges of criminal sexual contact stemming from the same allegations. He is currently free on bail.
Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation. Anyone with a complaint about this doctor is asked to contact the Enforcement Bureau at 973-504-6300.
Deputy Attorney General Susan Brown-Peitz is representing the State in this matter.
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse,
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.
Follow the Division of Consumer Affairs on
Facebook , and check our online calendar of upcoming
Consumer Outreach events.
