New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners Suspends Morris County Podiatrist's License, Permanently Bans Him From Prescribing Controlled Dangerous Substances for Indiscriminately Prescribing Painkillers and Other Narcotics and Practicing Outside the Scope of His License
NEWARK- The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs today announced today that Pequannock podiatrist Dr. Darius Jasinski has agreed to a three-year license suspension and a permanent ban on his privileges to prescribe controlled dangerous substances (CDS) amid allegations that he engaged in repeated acts of negligence and malpractice by treating patients for ailments unrelated to podiatry and for writing prescriptions for powerful and addictive painkillers without medical justification.
“Dr. Jasinski has displayed an utter disregard for the standards of podiatric care by practicing beyond the scope of his education, training, and license,” said Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino. “Even more disturbing is the callous indifference he has shown for his patients’ welfare by indiscriminately prescribing them painkillers and other narcotics that could easily lead them down a path to drug addiction.”
Under a Consent Order with the Board of Medical Examiners, Jasinski must wait at least 18 months before applying to the State Board of Medical Examiners for the reinstatement of his medical license. Prior to any reinstatement, Jasinski will have to complete courses in record keeping and professional ethics, undergo and pass a skills evaluation, and demonstrate his fitness to resume the practice of podiatry. He also must pay the State $50,000 in reimbursement of investigative and legal costs. Jasinski has also agreed to a complete and permanent ban of his CDS and HGH/anabolic steroid prescribing privileges.
“Any doctor who abuses the power of his profession, especially in a way that undermines New Jersey’s fight against prescription drug addiction, does not belong in a medical field,” said Steve Lee, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “This suspension will ensure that the public is protected until Dr. Jasinski is able to prove he is able and willing to uphold all the responsibilities associated with the practice of podiatry.”
A 13-count administrative Complaint filed by the State alleges that Jasinski not only lacked judgment in the treatment and care of his patients, but also endangered his patients by repeatedly prescribing CDS outside the scope of his podiatry practice, and did so without proper documentation, referrals to a pain management specialist, performance of the necessary tests, and/or good cause, in his treatment of 15 patients between 2009 and 2014.
The non-podiatric ailments Jasinski allegedly treated include spinal cord injury, arthritis, knee pain, sleep disorder, urination difficulty, and depression. His prescribing included testosterone and CDS ranging from Oxycodone, Percocet, and Xanax, to Adderall, methadone, and cough syrup with codeine, according to the Complaint.
The Complaint also alleges Jasinski’s patient recordkeeping was inaccurate, insufficient, and/or non-existent.
This investigation was conducted by the Enforcement Bureau of the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Deputy Attorney General Pavithra Angara of the Division of Law's Professional Boards Prosecution Section, represented the State in this matter.
Daniel Giaquinto, Esq. of Kern Augustine represented Jasinski 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.
###
