N.J. suspends license of doctor who admitted sexual misconduct with patient, state announces - NJ.com

A Monmouth County doctor who admitted his sexual misconduct with a woman he was treating for substance abuse had his license suspended by the State Board of Medical Examiners, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office announced Thursday.

Francis Rienzo, 60, of Sea Girt, who has a private practice in Sea Girt, and practices at numerous treatment centers across New Jersey, will have his state medical credentials suspended for three years and will pay a civil penalty and costs totaling $85,856 to resolve the matter, the office said in a statement.

He will be precluded from practicing medicine while serving two years of active suspension, and the remaining year as a period of probation under the consent order with the State Board of Medical Examiners.

"We will not tolerate sexual misconduct by healthcare professionals towards their patients," said Acting New Jersey Attorney General Andrew Bruck said in the statement. "Physicians who betray their patients' trust and violate professional standards will be held accountable."

In additional to Rienzo's inappropriate sexual contact with his patient, he also prescribed potentially addictive medications, did not maintain and adequate patient record and did not perform an appropriate exam of her prior to issuing a prescription. the office said.

Currently, Rienzo is the medical director for several New Jersey treatment centers, including the Comprehensive Treatment Center in Cliffwood, Endeavor House in Kearny, Advanced Health and Education Addiction Treatment Center and Clearwater Behavioral Health in Eatontown, and Sunrise Detox in Cherry Hill, Stirling, and Toms River, authorities said. He is also a staff physician at Jersey Shore Addiction Services and Hackensack Meridian Health, both with offices in Neptune.

Effective December 17, 2021, he will not be allowed to have any contact with patients, practice as a physician, or issue any medical prescriptions, including for controlled dangerous substances, the office said. He is also precluded from entering the premises of his medical practice when patients may be present, and may not receive or share any fee for professional services rendered by others.

The Dec. 17 date was made to allow adequate time for the orderly transfer of patients to other doctors. During this "wind-down" period, Rienzo is also not allowed to accept any new patients and must ensure that patients have access to their medical records, according to the statement.

Under the terms of the consent order, Rienzo must appear before the board of medical examiners to demonstrate fitness to resume medical practice should he petition for reinstatement of his license after two years of active suspension, the office said. In the event that Rienzo's license is reinstated in the future, a board-approved chaperone will have to be present any time that he provides treatment to any female patient for any reason.

Any patient who believed they had been treated in an inappropriate manner by a doctor was asked to file a complaint with the relevant professional board online or by calling 1-800-242-5846 to receive a complaint form by mail.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.