HARRISBURG, Pa., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Commissioner Basil L. Merenda announced that the State Board of Medicine has suspended the medical license of Dr. Nicholas Lisnichy. Under Pennsylvania’s Medical Practice Act, Lisnichy may not practice medicine in the commonwealth for at least 10 years.
In February 2005, Lisnichy pleaded guilty in the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas to felony charges of delivery of a controlled substance and was subsequently sentenced to six to 12 years of imprisonment. While the criminal charges were pending, Lisnichy surrendered his license to the commonwealth.
Pennsylvania’s Medical Practice Act provides for an automatic suspension of at least 10 years when a physician has pleaded guilty to, or has been found guilty of, felony drug charges. At the end of the minimum 10-year suspension, a physician is permitted to seek a reinstatement of licensure and all privileges. The State Board of Medicine has sole discretion in determining whether the license should be reinstated.
In deciding whether to reinstate a license, the State Board of Medicine would consider whether a substantial risk to the public’s health, safety and welfare existed. A suspended licensee must also demonstrate that no substantial risk of further criminal violations would result from the resumption of practice. The licensee would also have to meet all other qualifications for a license and would have to retake and pass the commonwealth’s medical licensing examination.
The Department of State protects the public’s health, safety and welfare by licensing business, health and real estate professionals; maintaining registration and financial records on thousands of charities soliciting contributions in Pennsylvania; overseeing the state’s electoral process; sanctioning professional boxing, kick-boxing and wrestling in the state; and maintaining corporate filings.
For more information, please visit the Department’s Web site, http://www.dos.state.pa.us. CONTACT: Allison Hrestak Brian McDonald (717) 783-1621
Pennsylvania Department of State
CONTACT: Allison Hrestak or Brian McDonald of Pennsylvania Department ofState, +1-717-783-1621