The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the license to practice medicine of Philip J. Lafata, M.D. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public's health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action.

On March 18, 2008 based on an investigation by the Huron County, Sheriff's Department, Lafata admitted that he had been prescribing narcotics to a patient in anticipation of a sexual affair and providing prescriptions to the patient at locations other than the hospital where Lafata worked, such as Lafata's home, and parking lots. Further, Lafata admitted to providing the patient with approximately $2,000.00 to assist her in paying for prescriptions and ultimately engaging in a sexual relationship with the patient.

On June 18, 2008, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Lafata's medical license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Lafata' 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.