Subject Numbers Regarding Health Provider Authorizations

Authorization No. 181053-0W

June 3, 2015

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. Jeanine Santiago’s authorization to treat injured workers within the New York State workers’ compensation system effective May 27, 2015. Dr. Santiago's last known business address is 124 Smithtown Road, Fishkill, New York 12524.

The Chair’s designee’s investigation revealed that the Office of the Attorney General announced the filing of a felony indictment against Dr. Santiago alleging that she conspired for a nurse to provide physician services on her behalf to hundreds of elderly and infirm homebound patients. Specifically, it is alleged that she gave a nurse blank and pre-signed prescription slips issued in her name and that the nurse filled the prescriptions, which included narcotics, and gave them to her patients. Dr. Santiago is further charged with defrauding Medicare and Medicaid by submitting claims for more expensive physician services that were ultimately administered by a nurse.

Investigation has also revealed that the New York State Department of Health, State Board for Professional Medical Conduct (BPMC) has issued Order # 15-111, wherein Dr. Santiago admitted to having been convicted in the Town of Wappinger Justice Court, County of Dutchess, New York, of driving while intoxicated. As a result, she was penalized with censure and reprimand, three years of probation, attendance at the drinking and driving program and victim and impact panel, fined $1,500, and installation of an ignition interlock device. In addition, her driver’s license was revoked on July 19, 2014.

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

Dr. Santiago is prohibited from rendering treatment and care to injured workers while her authorization is temporarily suspended. Reports submitted by Dr. Santiago for services rendered prior to May 27, 2015, are valid, but are invalid for any services rendered on or after that date. Requests to cross-examine Dr. Santiago for services rendered prior to May 27, 2015, should not be denied due to the suspension of her 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.