A Union Township dentist regularly used street drugs, and even had crystal meth sent to his practice through Federal Express, according to charges recently filed against him.
Dr. Frederick D. Bailey, 56, of Denville, Morris County, was in possession of crystal methamphetamine, a glass pipe, digital scale and hypodermic needle at the time of his arrest last month, Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced Friday.
“Health care providers have a fundamental duty to put the safety of their patients above all else,” Porrino said. “Any practitioner who engages in the use of illegal street drugs demonstrates a blatant disregard for that responsibility and poses a clear and imminent danger to anyone in their care. We will not allow dentists or any other health care professional to play fast and loose with the safety of their patients."The night of his Aug. 29 arrest, Bailey had allegedly smoked crystal meth with his longtime partner and a man they met on a social dating site. Bailey also gave the unnamed man a needle to inject the drug, according to the complaint.
The dentist allegedly prescribed drugs to his partner, that Bailey then used. His partner is not named.
Bailey has agreed with the State Board of Dentistry to suspend his license pending further action.
“The allegations against Dr. Bailey indicate a disturbing lack of judgment that calls into question his fitness to practice,” said Steve Lee, director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “By temporarily suspending his license, the board has acted to protect the public while these very serious charges are pending.”
Under the Consent Order, Bailey also has agreed to enroll in a Professional Assistance Program and to comply with recommendations for treatment, including, but not limited to: monthly face-to-face contact with representatives from that program; attendance at support groups, including Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous at a minimum of three times per week; urine monitoring not less than once a week; and continued therapy with a psychiatrist or therapist, if recommended.
Additionally, under the terms of the Consent Order, prior to any restoration of his license,
Before he could get his license back, Bailey must demonstrate a minimum of six months without using any psychoactive substances, including alcohol, be physically and psychologically fit; be capable of discharging the functions of a licensee in a manner consistent with the public’s health, safety, and welfare; and not suffering from any impairment or limitations resulting from the use of, or in possession of any controlled dangerous substance, whether legal or illegal, which could affect his practice.
Nothing in the Consent Order prevents the board from taking any action it deems appropriate, including revoking Bailey’s license.
Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200
Lynda Cohen founded BreakingAC after working as a local newspaper reporter for more than two decades. She is an NJPA award-winner and was a Stories of Atlantic City fellow.
