OCTOBER 29, 1999 - The Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) has summarily suspended the registered nurse license of David James Smith due to substance abuse. The CIS Bureau of Health Services orders a summary suspension when it believes the public’s health, safety and welfare warrant emergency action.

Smith had four alcohol-related convictions between July 1986 and July 1998. Smith failed to report some of these convictions to CIS as required by the Public Health Code. In May 1996, Smith contacted the Health Professional Recovery Program (HPRP), a non-disciplinary monitoring program that supports recovery from substance abuse, chemical addiction and mental illness. Enacted legislatively five years ago, the HPRP encourages health professionals to address their problems before their impairment harms a patient or damages their careers.

Although Smith agreed to the terms of the program, he was unsuccessful at following treatment recommendations. As a result, the HPRP forwarded his file to CIS, which summarily suspended his nursing license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Smith’s suspended nursing license.

Additional information about the HPRP is available by calling 1-800-453-3784.

Click here for more information about disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards.

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IMPORTANT NOTE:  Licensee status may change.  Click here to check current status.