One patient was later found dead in a hotel room during his son's wedding.
NEWARK -- A Cherry Hill psychiatrist and Red Bank podiatrist have been disciplined by New Jersey's Board of Medical Examiners for allegedly prescribing highly addictive narcotics to patients without a legitimate medical purpose, according to the state Attorney General's Office.
Dr. Thomas Newmark, whose Cherry Hill office is located along Chapel Avenue, will surrender his medical license ahead of a possible permanent revoking of the license. The move comes after an investigation found he "indiscriminately" prescribed controlled dangerous substances (CDS) to his patients.
Dr. James Ludden, whose Monmouth County office is located along Maple Avenue, saw his license temporarily suspended. According to the attorney general's office, Ludden allegedly prescribed narcotics "outside the scope of his license" to 13 people, including one who was later found dead in a hotel room.
Doctor loses license over sex assault allegations
"Physicians who indiscriminately prescribe highly addictive narcotics without a legitimate medical purpose are feeding the alarming rise in opioid addiction and overdose deaths plaguing our state," Attorney General Christopher Porrino said in a press release. "Keeping prescription pads out of the hands of unscrupulous doctors is a key component in our fight against the opioid and heroin crisis gripping New Jersey."
Newmark was investigated after he was fired from his job at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. That move came after it was revealed that he was erroneously prescribing CDS without a legitimate medical purpose.
Ludden was investigated after he prescribed testosterone, Adderall, generic versions of the drugs Xanax, Ativan Dilaudid, fentanyl and morphine sulfate.
According to a consent order, Ludden allegedly prescribed various painkillers to someone as a "favor," using his name and his 93-year-old mother's name. That patient was later found dead in a hotel room during his son's wedding.
Readers who wish to file an online complaint regarding inappropriate treatment may contact the state Division of Consumer Affairs may visit the division's website or by calling 800-242-5864 or 973-504-6200.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.