Medical marijuana authorizations lead to license suspension | Department of Health

The Board of Naturopathy and the state Department of Health have suspended a Seattle-area naturopath’s license for giving 109 patients medical marijuana authorizations at Seattle Hempfest in 2011.

The Board of Naturopathy and the state Department of Health have suspended a Seattle-area naturopath’s license for giving 109 patients medical marijuana authorizations at Seattle Hempfest in 2011.

Naturopathic physician Dimitrios Magiasis (NT.60199408) saw 110 people and gave all but one a medical marijuana authorization based on exams that averaged less than 15 minutes. They weren’t required to provide medical records, and Magiasis didn’t adequately diagnose the source of patients’ pain. Health officials say this “assembly-line” practice amounts to an authorization mill and doesn’t meet patient care standards.

Magiasis may not apply to have his license reinstated for at least six months and must pay a $5,000 fine. He will be on probation for four years if he returns to practice. During his probation, he’s barred from authorizing medical marijuana.

The documents can be seen online by clicking “Look up a health care provider’s license” on the Department of Health website; copies can be requested by calling 360-236-4700. Call that same number to file complaints against health care providers in the state.

The Board of Naturopathy regulates naturopathic physicians in Washington. The program establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms, and discipline. Rules, policies and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to state residents.

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