The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the registered nurse license of Lawrence James Simpkin, R.N., based on his felony convictions in the 53rd Judicial District Court of Cheboygan County, Michigan.

On April 20, 2004, Simpkin was convicted of one count of Malicious Destruction of Personal Property, $1,000-$20,000, and one count of Attempted Larceny, $1,000-$20,000, both felonies. As a result, Simpkin was sentenced to 18 months probation with terms and ordered to pay a supervision fee of $1,026 and fines and costs totaling $1,290.

On August 9, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Simpkin’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Simpkin’s registered nurse license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to the Bureau of Health Professions web site.