Measure helps improve job opportunities for those with criminal histories

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney signed legislation Thursday that would help improve employment and training opportunities for Delawareans with criminal histories seeking cosmetology and barbering licensure.

Sponsored by Rep. J.J. Johnson, House Bill 97 removes licensing roadblocks so a criminal history will not stand in the way of an individual pursuing and applying for an aesthetics license to practice cosmetology, barbering, electrology or nail technology.

“Delawareans who have served their time deserve a second chance, an opportunity to contribute, and reach their full potential,” said Governor Carney. “This legislation will help those with criminal histories improve their lives, while strengthening our communities. Thank you to Representative Johnson and Senator Henry for their leadership on this issue.”

Championed by Rep. Johnson, the legislation gives the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering discretion to grant waivers for certain felony convictions when assessing licensure applicants if up to three years have elapsed since their sentence. Previously, the waiting period was five years.

“After an individual has paid his or her debt to society, all they want is to be able to begin to rebuild their lives. Stable employment and training opportunities are critical to that rehabilitation,” said Representative Johnson, who chairs the House Corrections Committee. “This legislation removes barriers so that individuals will not be defined by their past and will be able to pursue licensing opportunities to put them on a sustainable path forward.”

Under the bill, the board is also precluded from taking into account an applicant’s criminal conviction if more than 10 years have passed since the date of the sentence and there have been no other convictions during that time.

“We spend a lot of time in Dover making sure that the state government isn’t placing overly burdensome or harmful regulations on our economy or our neighborhoods. Shouldn’t we do the same to help former inmates contribute to both?” said Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry, D-Wilmington. “Ex-offenders already face a steep climb upon release, and failure often means returning to prison, so I couldn’t be more proud to join my friend Rep. Johnson in opening up an avenue to self-sustainability and success for these Delawareans.”

“Professional licensure is often a gateway to a new life for Delawareans looking to launch new careers, earn more for their families and contribute to their communities,” said David Mangler, director of the Division of Professional Regulation. “We are proud to be a part of Rep. Johnson’s efforts to break down barriers to licensure and broaden opportunities for people across the state.”

For questions about licensing, contact the Division of Professional Regulation at customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov or 302-744-4500. Visit the division’s website www.dpr.delaware.gov for more information.

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Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock has ordered the temporary suspension of the Delaware nursing license of Dana Dolan of Smyrna, following a filing by the Delaware Department of Justice with the Board of Nursing in response to complaints of the licensee engaging in activities that present a clear and immediate danger to the public health, including the diversion of controlled substances from her employer for her own personal use.

In making his determination, Secretary Bullock considered the written complaint filed by the Department of Justice alleging that Ms. Dolan had engaged in the diverting and consuming of non-prescribed controlled substances from her employer, and her admitted addiction and dependence on controlled substances. As a result, the Board should issue an order temporarily suspending her license, pending a final hearing on the complaint as provided by 24 Del. C. § 1923.

As a result of the actions taken today, the suspension of Ms. Dolan will remain in effect for a period of 60 days during which time disciplinary hearings will be held to determine the final disposition for the nurse.

The licensure status of Ms. Dolan has been updated on the Division of Professional Regulation’s online license verification service.

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock has ordered the temporary suspension of the Delaware nursing license of Katelynn Ronan of Boothwyn, PA, following a filing by the Delaware Department of Justice with the Board of Nursing in response to complaints of the licensee engaging in activities that present a clear and immediate danger to the public health, including the diversion of narcotics from her employer for her own personal use.

In making his determination, Secretary Bullock considered the written complaint filed by the Department of Justice alleging that Ms. Ronan had engaged in the diversion of narcotics based on her theft of patient medications, admitted addiction issues, and pending criminal charges. As a result, the Board should issue an order temporarily suspending her license, pending a final hearing on the complaint as provided by 24 Del. C. § 1923.

As a result of the actions taken today, the suspension of Ms. Ronan will remain in effect for a period of 60 days during which time disciplinary hearings will be held to determine the final disposition for the nurse.

The licensure status of Ms. Ronan has been updated on the Division of Professional Regulation’s online license verification service.

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock has ordered the temporary suspension of the Delaware Certified Massage Technician license of Dazhong Wang of Smyrna following his arrest on charges of promoting prostitution and permitting prostitution at the Rehoboth establishment he owns where employees were arrested in December.

In making his determination, Secretary Bullock considered the criminal charges by the Delaware State Police for authorizing the temporary suspension of the professional license of Mr. Wang.

The Delaware Code Titles 23 and 24 were amended on April 15, 2014, to enable a temporary suspension pending a hearing to be issued upon the written order of the Secretary of State with the concurrence of the Board chair if the activity of the licensee presents a clear and immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare.

As a result of the actions taken today, the suspension of Mr. Wang will remain in effect for a period of 60 days during which time disciplinary hearings will be held or the final disposition for this individual will take place. As the result of a hearing, the Board of Massage and Bodywork has the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions up to and including revocation of a practitioner’s license or certification. The State has asked for revocation of Mr. Wang’s license.

The licensure status of Mr. Wang has been updated on the Division of Professional Regulation’s online license verification service.

Delaware’s Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline suspended the medical license of Dr. Muhammed Niaz this week for three years and required that he pay a fine of 5,000 dollars for numerous violations of the state’s Medical Practice Act, specifically related to the prescribing of controlled substances.

“Dr. Niaz’s conduct demonstrates a willful disregard for professional responsibility to protect patients and the community from the very serious effects of drug abuse and illegal diversion,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock.

The Board found that, among other violations, Dr. Niaz’s failure to document medical histories and test results; his failure to develop and follow appropriate treatment plans; his disregard of indications that patients were abusing medication; and basing prescribing decisions in large part on patient requests or representation rather than objective results “constitute such egregious deviation from the standard of care that this level of unprofessional conduct must be met with the appropriate discipline. That is, suspension.”

“When prescribed and used properly, medication can significantly improve the health and quality of life of people who are suffering with severe pain and other ailments,” said Dr. Gregory Adams, Board President. “When a medical professional does not follow proper protocol in prescribing and monitoring the use of medication, however, there can be significant negative impact on the patient and the community.”

The Board also held Dr. Niaz responsible for his lack of oversight of an advanced practice nurse who worked in his office. The nurse practitioner has also been accused of serious violations related to her prescribing practices.

In addition to the suspension and fine, which must be paid within 90 days, Dr. Niaz must complete 12 hours of continuing education related to drug abuse and addiction, the prescribing of controlled substances, and proper supervision practices before the Board will consider lifting the suspension in 2016.