North Jersey ER Doctor's License Permanently Revoked After Patient's Death

State authorities have taken decisive action against an ER doctor whose alleged negligence led to a fatal incident in 2017.

SUMMIT, NJ - In a significant development concerning medical oversight, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners has permanently revoked the medical license of Shar Kennett, an emergency room doctor based in Wayne, New Jersey. This decision comes in response to her alleged involvement in the death of a 20-year-old patient at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, in 2017.

The incident, which led to this drastic measure, occurred when the patient, identified only as "Patient 1," suffered respiratory arrest after reportedly receiving inadequate care in the emergency room. Allegations against Dr. Kennett include failing to examine the patient adequately and neglecting to order necessary diagnostic tests despite urgent requests from the patient's parents. The patient's condition was deemed urgent upon arrival but deteriorated rapidly, leading to his untimely death that same night.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin expressed his distress over the case, emphasizing that such an incident "should never occur in a New Jersey emergency room." Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, criticized Kennett for an "appalling lack of professionalism and good judgment."

During a Board evaluation committee hearing in March 2023, Kennett denied the neglect but acknowledged her failure to communicate effectively with the patient's parents or the ER staff. Additionally, she admitted her documentation of the patient's evaluation was completed hours after his death, and no diagnostic tests had been ordered.

The permanent revocation of Kennett’s license follows her agreement to a consent order with the Board, which considers this retirement of her license as an irrevocable cessation of her practice in New Jersey. Moreover, Kennett is barred from any professional medical activities in the state, including managing or supervising medical practice or serving as an expert witness.

This case highlights the severe consequences of medical negligence and the stringent measures regulatory bodies are willing to impose to ensure patient safety and trust in healthcare professionals. Patients who believe they have received inadequate care are urged to file complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs.