NEW: RI Doc Retires After Ongoing Prescription Abuses

NEW: RI Doc Retires After Ongoing Prescription Abuses

Rhode Island physician William Chang, MD, who had his license suspended in July 2011 for "the inappropriate prescription" of opioids, stimulants and Suboxone, has retired from practice after failing to meet the requirements of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline.

Chang, 72, was a licensed physician in RI whose principal place of business was Cranston East Medical Clinic on Park Avenue in Cranston. Chang had hospital privileges and a primary specialty in Family Practice.

The investigation of Chang by the Boards of Pharmacy and Medical Licensure and Discipline not only revealed "a pattern inappropriate prescribing" of these controlled substances, but patient chart reviews indicated "a pattern of substandard medical practice," according to the RI Department of Health (HEALTH).

After Chang's license was suspended last July, the Board received three subsequent complaints regarding his practices between July, 2011 and September, 2011. At the request of the Board, Chang participated in an assessment by the Center for Personalized Education for Physicians in November 2011. The Center recommended that Chang "address his educational needs in a residency or residency-like setting," according to HEALTH.

Following the Center's report, Chang decided to retire from medical practice and surrender his license to practice medicine.

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