February 14, 2008

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the osteopathic medicine and surgery license of Joseph Thomas Paupore, D.O. The MDCH, Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public's health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action.

The summary suspension was based, in part, on allegations that Paupore had engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a patient on two occasions, which included kissing, touching, and oral sex during the pretense of giving the patient back adjustments. As a result of the alleged sexual contact, Paupore was arrested and arraigned in the Third Judicial Circuit Court, Wayne County, Michigan, on four counts of criminal sexual conduct-fourth degree. The criminal matter remains pending.

On Feb. 8, 2008, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Paupore's license pursuant to the Public Health Code. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Paupore's osteopathic medicine and surgery 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.