Medical examiners order mental competency test for Vegas doctor

Friday, Dec. 22, 2000 | 9:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Board of Medical Examiners has suspended the license of a Las Vegas physician to practice because of questions about his mental competency.

The board set Jan. 30 for a hearing in Reno for Dr. H.N. Sundar-Raj to determine what actions should be taken.

A complaint was filed on Dec. 5 by the board, saying it believed that Sundar-Raj "could in the future, and has in the past, while licensed in the state of Nevada, practiced medicine while being mentally impaired."

The investigative committee of the examiners board ordered a mental examination of the physician on Oct. 24. Sundar-Raj was examined by Dr. Jerry A. Howle, who found the physician suffered from "impulsive and intrusive behavior ... his disorganized thinking, and his tendency to discount his impairment are the result of the mental disorders ..."

Howle said, "These conditions are of sufficient severity to impair his ability to safely practice medicine at the present time."

The board also announced it has reached a settlement with Las Vegas physician Michael Rosenman, who pleaded no contest to one count of malpractice. Details of the allegation were not released except to say that Rosenman in treating one patient failed to use reasonable care and skill.

The board placed Rosenman on one year's probation, and he must take 18 hours of continuing medical education in endrocinology and pediatric diabetes or a similar course. He must also report to the board the procedures in place in his office for reviewing the results of laboratory tests on patients.

Rosenman also must pay $1,171 to cover administrative expenses of the board in its investigation.