Subject Numbers Regarding Health Provider Authorizations

Authorization No. 200246-7W

December 20, 2013

Pursuant to Workers' Compensation Law Section 13-d(4), the Chair of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board has exercised his authority to temporarily suspend Dr. Mihir Bhatt's authorization to treat injured workers within the New York State workers' compensation system effective December 23, 2013. Dr. Bhatt's last known business address is 456 Arlene Street, Staten Island, NY 10314.

The Chair's designee's investigation revealed that Dr. Bhatt was arrested on December 17, 2013, in connection with an elaborate insurance fraud scheme involving fraudulent dispensing of prescriptions for controlled substances. Various felony charges have been brought against Dr. Bhatt including enterprise corruption, scheme to defraud, grand larceny, insurance fraud, filing false business records and conspiracy. If convicted of the top charge, he is facing a maximum of 25 years in prison.

Based on the foregoing, the Chair believes that Dr. Bhatt may be guilty of misconduct, and that such misconduct would detrimentally affect the quality of care provided to injured workers.

Dr. Bhatt is prohibited from rendering treatment and care to injured workers while his authorization is temporarily suspended. Reports submitted by Dr. Bhatt for services rendered prior to December 23, 2013, are valid, but are invalid for any services rendered on or after that date. Requests to cross-examine Dr. Bhatt for services rendered prior to December 23, 2013 should not be denied due to the suspension of his authorization.

This suspension remains in effect until further notice. Any questions regarding the authorized lists should be referred to the Medical Director’s Office at 1 (800) 781-2362.