By John Burton
NEWARK — The state’s Division of Community Affairs is looking to revoke the ability of two Two-River area former physicians from being able to prescribe controlled dangerous substances, such as pain medication.
The division has begun the process of permanently revoking the controlled dangerous substance (CDS) registration of a Rumson man and a Shrewsbury woman, who have been convicted of illegally issuing prescriptions and already have had their medical licenses revoked.
Philip Eatough had a medical practice in Keansburg, where he had illegally prescribed large dosages of Oxycodone, a powerful pain medication. He had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute the drugs and was sentenced to 41 months in state prison. The state’s Board of Medical Examiners revoked his license in April 2012.
Jacqueline Lopresti had maintained her medical practice in Shrewsbury, and pleaded guilty in federal court in New Jersey on July 29 and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison. In the federal complaint Lopresti would meet with individuals at her office, home and rest stops on the Garden State Parkway where she would exchange the prescriptions for cash. The board revoked her license in February.
While doctors receive their licenses from the board of medical examiners, they need a CDS registration from the Division of Community Affairs (DCA) to prescribed the controlled substances.
The revocation of the CDS registration provides an added layer of protection for the public should these former physicians look at some point to be reinstated, according to DCA.
Along with Eatough and Lopresti, the DCA announced it was taking the same steps against 17 other New Jersey medical doctors.
