Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs today announced that the State Board of Medical Examiners (“the Board”) has temporarily suspended the medical license of Dr. James Kauffman, an Atlantic County endocrinologist charged with weapons offenses and obstruction following an armed stand-off with law enforcement trying to execute a search warrant at his medical office in Egg Harbor Township two weeks ago.
In an Interim Order of Temporary Suspension signed Monday, Kauffman agreed to the temporary suspension of his license pending the resolution of the criminal charges against him, and other conditions set by the Board.
“Dr. Kauffman’s conduct, followed by his criminal arrest, demonstrates an imminent danger to the public. The Board acted appropriately to ensure that he will not be allowed to practice medicine until this very serious matter is resolved,” said Attorney General Porrino. “In addition to resolving his criminal case, Dr. Kauffman will also have to undergo a professional evaluation and be deemed fit to resume practice before the Board would consider reinstating his license.”
“Protecting the welfare of the public is paramount,” said Steve Lee, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “By obtaining the temporary suspension of Dr. Kauffman’s license, the Board has upheld its duty to safeguard patients and enforce the standards of the medical profession.”
According to authorities, on June 13, FBI agents, along with members of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Linwood and Egg Harbor Township police departments arrived at Kaufmann’s medical office to execute a search warrant. Upon being presented with the search warrant Kauffman brandished a handgun and threatened to commit suicide.
He was eventually taken into custody and transported to a healthcare facility where he was medically evaluated and released. Kaufmann was then transferred to the Egg Harbor Township Police Department where he was charged with possession of an unlawful weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, obstructing a law enforcement investigation, and possession of hollow-point bullets. A Superior Court judge ordered Kauffman held in jail until his trial.
Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504- 6200.