The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has immediately suspended the license to practice as an osteopathic physician of Arie Van Der Weide, D.O., based on his felony convictions in the 27th Judicial Circuit Court, Newaygo County, Michigan. The DCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public's health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action.

On Sept. 30, 2008, Van Der Weide, 46, was convicted of three felony counts of criminal sexual conduct-second degree. As a result, Van Der Weide was sentenced to jail for 365 days with (one day credit), placed on probation for a period of 60 months with terms, and ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $240.00. These convictions were based on Van Der Weide engaging in sexual contact with a female under the age of 13 that was not his patient.

On Jan. 15, 2009, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Van Der Weide's osteopathic physician license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the summary suspension of a health professional when the Department finds that the public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Van Der Weide's license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing.