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Media Contact: LARA Communications 517-373-9280
Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov
May 8, 2017 - The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has immediately suspended the license to practice as a medical doctor of Zongli Chang of Livonia, MI. LARA served an order summarily suspending Dr. Chang’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the summary suspension of a health professional’s license when the public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action.
LARA filed an Administrative Complaint alleging that Dr. Chang overprescribed commonly abused and diverted controlled substances, such as Alprazolam, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone for other than lawful medical purposes. The complaint alleges Dr. Chang routinely prescribed medication, including addictive opioids to patients for other than lawful medical purposes.
As part of LARA’s investigation, prescription data acquired by the Michigan Automated Prescription System helped investigators analyze the records of 11 patients under Dr. Chang’s care. Of those 11 patients, nine received the dangerous combination of opioids, muscle relaxants, and benzodiazepines. The investigation also found that none of Dr. Chang’s reviewed patient files contained controlled substance abuse agreements.
“Through aggressive investigations and suspensions, we will continue to pursue strong regulatory actions to prevent our medical professionals from over prescribing controlled substances,” said Bureau of Professional Licensing Director Kim Gaedeke.
An important recommendation of Gov. Snyder’s Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force called for a more comprehensive enforcement program against licensed health professionals who participate in overprescribing. LARA’s Drug Monitoring Section works to identify, investigate and seek enhanced sanctions against licensed health care professionals who overprescribe dangerous drugs, such as opiates, for other than lawful medical purposes.
Click here to view LARA’s Administrative Complaint.
For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within LARA, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/healthlicense.
For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara
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