Subject Numbers Regarding Health Provider Authorizations

Authorization No. 269221-8W

February 18, 2020

Pursuant to Workers' Compensation Law Section 13-d(2)(a), the Chair of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board has exercised her authority to remove Dr. Desmond Francis’ authorization to treat injured workers in the New York State workers’ compensation system effective February 14, 2020. Dr. Francis’ last known business address is:

1801 Black River Boulevard
Rome, New York 13440

The removal is based upon Surrender Order (BPMC No. 20-025), issued by the New York State Department of Health, State Board for Professional Medical Conduct (BPMC), effective February 19, 2020, wherein Dr. Francis agreed to surrender his license to practice medicine in New York State on the grounds that he agreed not to contest the full allegations in full satisfaction of the charges against him, including that on at least one occasion he engaged in an improper personal relationship with a patient and on one or more occasion he had improper communications with multiple patients via social media.

Therefore, the Chair believes that Dr. Francis may be guilty of misconduct, and that such misconduct would detrimentally affect the quality of care provided to injured workers.

Dr. Francis is prohibited from rendering treatment and care to injured workers, and from conducting reviews of records regarding variance requests pursuant to 12 NYCRR § 324.3(b)(2)(ii)(a). Reports submitted by Dr. Francis for services rendered prior to February 14, 2020 are valid but are invalid for any services rendered on or after that date. Requests to cross-examine Dr. Francis for services rendered prior to February 14, 2020 should not be denied due to the removal of his authorization.

Any questions regarding the authorized lists should be referred to the Medical Director’s Office at 1 (800) 781-2362.