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May 4 2015

The Case of Passaic County Doctor Convicted of Manslaughter in UK

Responding to the case of a Passaic County doctor who was convicted of manslaughter in the United Kingdom and practicing in New Jersey, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg sponsored legislation to require international background checks for all applicants seeking to practice medicine or surgery in the state.

“Patients deserve to know that their medical professionals have the appropriate training and education, but also that they have conducted themselves in compliance with the law,” said Senator Weinberg. “Since our laws do not extend background checks internationally, we have little way of knowing whether healthcare professionals practicing here have abused their licenses in other countries. This leaves patients at risk of undergoing a medical procedure performed by an unqualified doctor or surgeon. Requiring an international background check will help to protect the safety of our residents and give patients the confidence of knowing that those charged with their care have a clean history of practicing medicine.”


The bill was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. “Unfortunately, our laws do not extend background checks to those who may have practiced outside of the United States,” said Senator Weinberg. “This leaves patients at serious risk of undergoing a medical procedure performed by an unqualified doctor or surgeon. Requiring an international background check will help to keep our residents safe.”