Essex County Surgeon Ends Medical Practice Amid Prescription Misconduct Allegations

Cedar Grove Physician Settles State Allegations by Exiting Clinical Medicine Following Probe into Addiction Treatment Practices

In a significant development, Marc Watson, MD, a vascular surgeon based in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, has consented to cease clinical medical practice within the state permanently. This decision resolves serious allegations by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs that Watson indiscriminately prescribed controlled dangerous substances (CDS) to addiction treatment patients, announced Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

Watson's agreement to relinquish his clinical practice rights comes as a result of an investigation by the Division's Enforcement Bureau, spotlighting the physician's alleged practices of prescribing high volumes of CDS—including benzodiazepines, stimulants, and in some instances, narcotics—without adequate medical justification. Furthermore, the state accused Watson of gross negligence and professional misconduct for insufficient patient examinations, monitoring, and record-keeping.

This case gains prominence against the backdrop of New Jersey's ongoing battle with the addiction epidemic, where negligent prescription practices pose significant threats to recovery efforts. Attorney General Platkin emphasized the state's commitment to curtailing such practices that facilitate the flow of habit-forming drugs into communities, undermining public health initiatives aimed at combating addiction and saving lives.

Watson, who has been in the field of addiction medicine since 2005, faced criticism for his lack of formal training in addiction medicine and the inadequacies in patient care protocols, including the absence of in-person visits or urine drug screenings between March 2020 and August 2021. His preliminary evaluation by the state's Preliminary Evaluation Committee (PEC) highlighted several lapses, including failing to secure patients' prior medical records, diagnosing conditions without proper testing, and initiating CDS prescriptions before considering safer alternatives.

In response to these allegations, Watson has agreed to a final consent order filed on February 22, 2024, marking the end of his clinical practice after a 30-day period to transition his patients' care. His New Jersey CDS Registration, permitting him to prescribe controlled substances, will also be permanently retired, with Watson retaining his medical license solely for conducting on-site testing for his OSHA testing company, under strict limitations outlined in the consent order.

The resolution of this case underscores the rigorous standards and oversight New Jersey maintains over its medical practitioners, particularly those treating substance use disorders. Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, Cari Fais, emphasized the critical nature of adherence to laws regulating CDS prescriptions to protect patients and prevent drug misuse. This action intends to ensure Watson will not jeopardize patient safety or public health through indiscriminate prescribing practices in the future.

The investigation was led by the Enforcement Bureau of the Division of Consumer Affairs, with legal representation from the state by Deputy Attorney General Michelle F. Mikelberg, under the leadership of Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner and Assistant Section Chief David M. Puteska.

Patients who suspect inappropriate treatment by a licensed healthcare professional are encouraged to report their experiences to the State Division of Consumer Affairs through its website or by contacting their hotline.