AUGUST 23, 2001 - The Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS), has taken action today against Kalamazoo veterinarian Steven J. Ginsberg D.V.M.. due to allegations of negligence and substandard care.

The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine Disciplinary Subcommittee met in Lansing today and accepted disciplinary action outlined in a proposed Consent Order. The disciplinary action against Dr. Ginsberg includes the following:

• A license suspension for 30 days commencing on Oct. 1, 2001;
• Two (2) years probation;
• Quarterly meetings with a Board of Veterinary Medicine member to review Dr. Ginsberg’s professional practice;
• Continuing education addressing issues of patient management;
• Continuing education classes offered at Michigan Veterinarian Association annual meetings;
• Attending all regularly scheduled meetings of the local Veterinarian Association;
• Provide a copy of his annual controlled substance inventory;
• Pay a $2,000 fine to the State of Michigan within 90 days.

An investigation into Dr. Ginsberg’s practice found:

1. Unlawful Delegation - Dr. Ginsberg delegated numerous tasks within the scope of the practice of veterinary medicine to unlicensed individuals.
2. Clinic Hygiene - Dr. Ginsberg failed to: wear surgical gloves or masks during surgical procedures; sterilize surgical and dental instruments between procedures; sterilize needles and syringes after injections; and sterilize surgical tables following procedures. He also reused surgical drapes following surgery.
3. Declawing Cats – Dr. Ginsberg used super glue as part of his procedure to declaw cats.
4. Controlled Substance/Drug Storage - Dr. Ginsberg maintained expired drugs and medication, which were dispensed to animals; failed to store drugs securely;and failed to maintain controlled substance records related to the purchase, dispensing, and annual inventory;
5. Timely Euthanization – Dr. Ginsberg delayed in euthanizing animals on a number of occasions.

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