R.I. doctor faces five-year probation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – A Rhode Island physician is suspended after failing to respond to an inquiry by the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline.

According to the proposed consent order, issued by the Department of Health, James Denier exhibited a pattern of prescribing narcotics without medical records. In some cases, Denier even wrote prescriptions without ever seeing the patient.

In addition, the Board believes Denier showed a disinterest in offering non-narcotic pain management options.

The terms of the suspension include completing a “Prescribing Controlled Drugs” course. Until the course is finished, Denier will not be allowed to practice medicine.

Once he is reinstated, he must also agree to no longer provide prescriptions over the phone and see patients in person before ordering refills.

Also, Denier will be on probation for the next five years.