Meryl Jae Nass, M.D., who practiced internal medicine in Ellsworth, Maine, has been disciplined by the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. In January 2022, the board issued two orders, one directing her to undergo a neuropsychological examination [1] and the other suspending her license to practice for 30 days pending a full hearing [2]. Both orders indicate that the board had received complaints that she was spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and had inappropriately prescribed invermectin and/or hydroxychloroquine to patients she diagnosed with COVID-19.
A hearing notice dated September 30, 2022 indicates that the board was concerned with the quality of her care, the adequacy of her patient records, and her honesty as evidenced by her care of three patients. The notice also indicates that Nass did not cooperate with some of the board’s investigative requests [3].
In December 2023, after several hearings, the board extended the suspension and placed Nass on probation for two years Bit it but said the suspension could be lifted if she fully complies with the probationary terms, which included the use of a practice monitor. The board also ordered her to pay $10,000—approximately half the cost of the board proceedings [4].
The December 2023 order provides detailed descriptions of her management of the three patients.The charges related to public misinformation have been dropped.
In October 2023, Nass filed suit in federal court against the Main Board of Licensure and its members. The suit alleged that the board was infringing on her freedom of speech and had unfairly conducted its case against her [5]. The board replied that it has followed proper procedures and that state and federal laws protected its individual board members from liability [6]. The court has not yet ruled on these motions.
References
- Order directing evaluation. In Re: Meryl J. Nass, M.D. Maine Board oif Licensure in Medicine, Jan 11, 2022.
- Order of immediate suspension. In Re: Meryl J. Nass, M.D. Maine Board oif Licensure in Medicine, Jan 12, 2022.
- Third amended notice of hearing. In Re: Meryl J. Nass, M.D. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine, Sept 30, 2022.
- Decision and order. In Re: Meryl J. Nass, M.D. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. Dec 12, 2023.
- Complaint. Meryl J. Nass, M.D. v. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine, U.S. District Court for the District of Maine.Case 1:23-cv-0032, filed Aug 16, 2023.
- Defendants’ motion to dismiss. Meryl J. Nass, M.D. v. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. U.S. District Court for the District of Maine.Case 1:23-cv-0032, filed Oct 18, 2023.
- Plaintiffs’ opposition to motion to dismiss. Meryl J. Nass, M.D. v. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. U.S. District Court for the District of Maine.Case 1:23-cv-0032, filed Nov 8, 2023.
