May 7, 2004

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the nursing license of Debby Irene Benjamin, L.P.N., due to her felony convictions in the 32nd Judicial Circuit Court, Gogebic County, Michigan.

Benjamin failed to report her convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On December 11, 2003, Benjamin was convicted of three counts of Prescription Forms-Manufacture/Deliver.

Benjamin was sentenced to five months in jail, placed on probation for two years and ordered to pay costs in the amount of $480.00.

On April 28, 2004, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Benjamin’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. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Benjamin’s licensed practical nurse license.

More information about disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards is available on the MDCH website at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, then select the Health Systems and Licensing link.