The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has immediately suspended the license to practice as a chiropractor of James Lester Steveson, Jr., D.C., based on his conviction in the First Judicial Circuit Court, Hillsdale County, Michigan. Steveson failed to report his conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On Nov. 21, 2008, Steveson was convicted of one felony count of arson-preparation to burn property-$20,000.00 or more. As a result, Steveson, 37, was sentenced to 12 months in jail with 53 days credit, placed on probation for 60 months, ordered to pay fines, costs, and restitution in the amount of $52,806.42. The conviction was based on Steveson pouring kerosene over the furniture, office equipment, and chiropractic equipment in his chiropractic business in preparation to burn the property.

On Jan. 30, 2009, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Steveson's license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional upon the conviction of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term of two years, or a controlled substance-related conviction. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Steveson's license to practice as a chiropractor.

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.