NEWARK — A Lakewood doctor who is facing criminal charges that he improperly disposed of medical waste has agreed to voluntarily cease practicing medicine pending the outcome of a hearing next month before the State Board of Medical Examiners (BME), Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and Acting Consumer Affairs Director Jeffrey Burstein announced.

Following his January 19 arrest and the filing of criminal charges by the Lakewood Township Police Department, Dr. Flavius Thompson agreed to comply with the State’s demand that he cease practicing medicine pending action by the BME. The board has scheduled a Feb. 9 hearing on an administrative complaint filed by the State against Thompson concerning the criminal charges as well as allegations of unsafe and unsanitary conditions at Thompson’s medical office.

The State’s allegations against Thompson include failure to have required medical equipment on hand; improper disposal of regulated medical wastes; having expired medications in an emergency medical kit; and violations related to the administration of conscious sedation.

"Our primary concern is the safety of patients," said Attorney General Harvey. "Given the serious allegations against Dr. Thompson, we demanded that he immediately stop practicing medicine pending further action of the Board of Medical Examiners."

"If proper procedures are not followed, patients are potentially put in danger," said Acting Director Burstein. "That is wholly unacceptable. The Board of Medical Examiners expects its licensees to adhere to legal and professional standards of conduct, as does the public."

The State’s complaint seeks to have Thompson’s license temporarily suspended pending a full hearing before the BME. Deputy Attorney General Tara Adams Ragone is representing the State in this matter

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