( Awesome photo by Roanna )

Dr. Charles Ray Jones is being charged by the Connecticut  state medical board with unprofessional conduct. The charges were initiated by an estranged spouse in a custody dispute.

CLICK HERE FOR CRITICAL INFO!

 

HEARING, FRIDAY MAY 2nd!

Here is the corrected information regarding the location of Dr. Jones' hearing this Friday:

Friday, May 2, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Health Complex, 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut, Conference Room "C" in Building 470.

With the short notice, and many competing items on the agenda (e.g., upcoming Lyme rally, also important for the community), we fear that the turnout will be hurt for this hearing. Even if a few of supporters can make it, it will express ongoing concern for Dr. Jones, and watchful eyes and ears for the CT DPH and medical board.

Sorry for any confusion!
Sheila
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Dr. Jones just learned today that the first hearing for the new set of charges being brought against him by the CT DPH has been scheduled for this Friday, May 2. Initially, it wasn't clear if this hearing would be rescheduled, as has happened at least once before, or if his presence would be required on Friday. For that reason, he was hesitant to issue an announcement at an earlier point in time.

Dr. Jones understands that this is very late notice for the community, but wants people to know that he would welcome their attendance, for anyone who may be able to be there.

Friday, May 2, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Health Complex, 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut, Conference Room "C" in Building 470

For driving directions: http://www.cga. ct.gov/olm/ directions2. asp

Sorry for the late notice!

Please also note the new instructions below for making donations to the Charles Ray Jones, M.D. Legal Defense Fund:

HOW TO DONATE TO THE LEGAL DEFENSE FUND:

Make Donations payable to " Pullman & Comley Trust Account-for Dr. Charles Jones"
Mail to:
Elliott Pollack
c/o Pullman & Comley, LLC
90 State House Square
Hartford, CT 06103-3702

Note "gift" in the memo field

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 11:52 PM
Subject: For distribution: Urgent Message from Dr. Jones

CHARLES RAY JONES, M.D.

Madison Towers

111 Park Street, 1st Floor

New Haven, Connecticut 06511

Tel (203) 772-1123 Fax (203) 772-0682

March 17, 2008

Dear Friends,

I am writing once again to update you regarding the status of the charges which have been brought against me by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH). As most of you know, on December 18, 2007, the hearing panel made recommendations for sanctions that would have severely restricted my ability to treat Lyme patients, and would have set a dangerous precedent for other Lyme-treating physicians.

Those of you who were fortunate enough to hear Attorney Pollack’s oral argument in response to the hearing panel’s proposed decisions and sanctions (“Proposed Memorandum of Decision”), or who read the transcript published in the Lyme Times (Winter Edition), can speak to his professionalism and keen grasp of key issues pertaining to Lyme disease and the controversy which surrounds it. Although the Connecticut Medical Examining Board (CMEB) went on to adopt the recommendations of the hearing panel with little change, I remain confident and extremely grateful to my legal defense team, headed by Attorney Pollack, and assisted by his associate Christine Collyer, Lorraine Johnson and others. They have been engaged in a flurry of critical legal activity since December 18 to prevent the CMEB’s determination from becoming final. For example:

1. With the help of a skilled appellate lawyer from his firm, Attorney Pollack has filed an appeal and an Application to Stay the Connecticut Medical Examining Board’s Decision in the Superior Court. This was successful, because it resulted in a Court decision to stay, or stop, the application of a four part standard for the diagnosis of Lyme disease, pending appeal. Although the Court did not remove the requirement for a monitor, this means that I cannot be penalized for treating Lyme if: 1) there is low risk of exposure, 2) the symptoms are what some call “non-specific,” 3) the history is “non-specific,” and 4) the Lyme test is negative.

This change resulted from one ground in the appeal, which pertained to the fact that the hearing panel imposed this standard AFTER the trial, so that we had no opportunity to defend against it during the hearing, which most lawyers would consider a breach of due process.

2. Another ground for appeal filed by my attorneys pertained to the inconsistent position taken by the CT DPH Commissioner Galvin. In a hearing on Lyme disease held in CT in 2004, as well as in other public statements, the Commissioner has stated that there are two standards of care for Lyme disease and that it is too early to “call the science.” He then contradicted these statements by bringing action against me predicated on the IDSA standard of care. In so doing, Galvin denied me due process and fair notice.

3. Yet another ground for appeal was based on the question of bias of one of the three panel members, Dr. Senechal. Following the December 18 hearing, two parents who had not attended previous hearings came forward and expressed horror that Dr. Senechal had expressed extremely biased views regarding physicians who treat Lyme, referring to them as “quacks.” Dr. Senechal’s remarks, documented in their affidavit, formed the basis for a motion to reconsider, filed with the CMEB. The CMEB denied this motion, but Dr. Senechal’s bias provided another element which strengthened our appeal.

4. My legal team also was successful in getting the Connecticut Superior Court to stay the reprimand and the two years probation ordered by the CMEB. Also, the civil penalty, $10,000, was placed in a trust account pending appeal. It is very important to note that, although the monitoring factor remains in place, the monitor’s scope has been limited with regard to the 4 part standard of care (see above) – very good news not only for my practice, but also for that of other physicians who treat Lyme disease comprehensively, and for the patients who seek their care.

5. My attorneys have had to become involved in defending my failure to obtain a monitor by the deadline set by the CMEB, in order to prevent them from holding me in contempt, a finding which, at the worst, could result in an automatic suspension of my CT medical license. Here are some of the circumstances which led to their involvement in this matter:

The CMEB order stipulates that I must find (and pay for) a board certified pediatrician licensed in Connecticut. The monitor must be willing to review thirty patients’ charts every three months, for a period of two years. I have had a great deal of difficulty finding a monitor in the allotted time, particularly one who understands how to treat Lyme disease comprehensively. Some are too busy with their practices to take the time to serve in this capacity. Many are involved in group practices which often object, because of the time and resources this activity would divert from the collective work of the partners. Some may not want to take on this role due to the controversial nature of my case.

The CMEB has refrained from providing a monitor; perhaps as a strategy to avoid the accusation that they have installed someone who is hostile. They have, however, threatened to hold me in contempt, asserting that I have not exhibited sufficient effort with this matter. My office continues to aggressively search for a monitor, while my attorneys are dealing with the legal issues involved.

6. As you may have heard, the DPH has brought additional charges against me pertaining to three new cases. Initially, they intended to introduce these cases into the prior, ongoing hearing, but my attorneys were successful in preventing these cases from being joined with the case already being heard. New hearings on these three cases will be scheduled in the near future at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, CT (watch for future announcements with more details). These are expected to be scheduled over a period of at least several months, which my attorneys already have begun to prepare for by contacting potential experts, compiling legal research and drafting legal pleadings. Two out of three of these cases, much like the previous case, involve divorced parents engaged in custody and other marital/parental disputes.

One case in particular has ominous implications for the Lyme community, if the DPH charge is allowed to prevail: I am accused of falsifying an illness in a child in order to justify his absences from school, essentially colluding with the mother, who has been accused of Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy. This charge, if upheld, could set a dangerous precedent for the Lyme community, endangering parents and their sick children who are accused of truancy. It must be defeated.

We have some reason to hope, based on the merits of the appeal, that the CMEB and the CT DPH could decide against prosecuting these new charges. Once again, my legal team has been extremely busy, attending CMEB meetings, drafting motions, writing memos, conferencing with both the DPH prosecutor and the Assistant Attorney General and more. I continue to be impressed by their commitment to my case, as well as their sincere concern for what it represents for the children, who are so ill with Lyme disease.

All of this, unfortunately, also has been quite costly, which leads me, with some apology, to the second part of my message to you.

Without the support of the Lyme community, it would not have been possible for me to engage this top-notch legal team and to fight these charges. I have thought long and hard about the wisdom of continuing this fight, in part because I hesitate to impose any further hardship on so many of you who already have contributed so much, and who are contending with stressed resources. I have decided, however, that it is essential to continue to oppose the charges brought against me and want to explain why:

1. I am dedicated to the principle of providing appropriate treatment to the children of Lyme, and to training other physicians to treat pediatric patients through the various preceptor programs currently available.

2. I am gravely concerned that an easy, unchallenged “defeat” will send a dangerous message, and that those physicians who depart from the IDSA guidelines in their treatment of Lyme disease will be left more vulnerable.

3. I am strongly opposed to the ominous precedents that will be set if the current charges against me are allowed to prevail. The two cases that I mentioned above exemplify this danger: namely, the imposition of a restrictive standard of care, as well as the unfounded persecution of families whose children are ill, with accusations of Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy, malingering and truancy.

Because fundraising efforts were suspended over the holidays, when my legal team was engaged in an intensive flurry of activity, the defense fund is in dire straights: currently, we owe more than $80,000 in legal fees. All outstanding bills for services rendered must be paid immediately in order for me to retain my legal counsel, and we also must demonstrate that funds will continue to be forthcoming as needed.

With all of this in mind, I must ask you once again to consider making a financial contribution to my legal defense fund, in whatever amount your circumstances will allow. If you are able to contribute, I hope you will do so as soon as possible. Instructions for making donations to the legal defense fund are provided at the bottom of this letter.

Additionally, many of you have suggested ideas for fundraising, some of which could draw on resources outside of the Lyme community (e.g., a concert). I welcome and deeply appreciate this kind of creative effort to raise money for the legal defense fund.

On Friday, March 14, I reached my 79th birthday. Someone asked me recently if I ever dreamed that I would find myself in this position at this stage of my life. I replied that, no, I didn’t, but if I had the chance to do it over, I would do it all again. It is largely because of the considerable support and concern that so many of you have conveyed in so many ways that I have been able to maintain my determination to see these charges through to a successful resolution. Please accept my heartfelt appreciation for your ongoing support.

With very best regards,

Dr. Jones

Charles Ray Jones, M.D.

HOW TO DONATE TO THE LEGAL DEFENSE FUND:

Make Donations payable to "The Dr. Charles
Ray Jones Legal Defense Fund." Mail to:
C/O George Heath, III (CPA)
26 Fairlawn Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492

Note "gift" in the memo field

2) A WEBSITE FOR DR. JONES IS NOW READY TO TAKE PAYPAL
CREDIT CARD CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEFENSE FUND.
http://www.DefendLy meDoctors. com

If you are a patient of Dr. Jones and would like to
write in his support, please send your letters to him at:


Charles Ray Jones, MD
111 Park Street, 1st Floor

New Haven, CT 06511

Wednesday, December 05, 2007 10:35 PM
 For distribution: Update from Dr. Jones

CHARLES RAY JONES, M.D.

Madison Towers

111 Park Street, 1st Floor

New Haven, Connecticut 06511

Tel (203) 772-1123 Fax (203) 772-0682

December 5, 2007

Dear Friends,

I have appreciated the many expressions of support being conveyed to me by so many of you, and want to keep you apprised of the latest developments regarding the charges brought against me by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Almost as soon as I had issued my previous update to you, the hearing panel assigned to my case released its "Proposed Memorandum of Decision.” This decision, which is preliminary, recommends that many of the charges against me be upheld and outlines the following sanctions: a reprimand from the Connecticut Medical Examining Board, a total civil penalty in the amount of $10,000, and a two-year supervised probationary period, to be conducted by a physician who will review my patient records at my expense. My license, however, was neither suspended nor revoked, nor was it recommended that it should be.

I want you to understand the potential impact of these recommendations, if they are allowed to stand. For example, the proposed decision states that I have been charged with failing to reconsider my diagnosis of Lyme disease in light of the negative Western Blot tests in April, 2005. It also states that I have been charged with diagnosing a disease in very low risk patients, with non-specific medical histories, non-specific signs and symptoms, and negative laboratory tests. Bear in mind that the record indicates that these patients had traveled to other states, had camped in Oklahoma, and had a history of tick attachments. A panel of the Connecticut Medical Examining Board has determined that the Connecticut Department of Public Health has sustained its burden of proof with regard to these charges, meaning that I am guilty as charged.

As you can see, these recommendations fail to take into account the unreliability of laboratory testing for Lyme disease. If they are not overturned, they will seriously impede my freedom to diagnose and treat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases based on my clinical judgment and expertise, despite the fact that I will be allowed to retain my medical license. Furthermore, these findings will set a dangerous precedent for other physicians treating Lyme disease. That is why we must prevail and, if we are unable to reverse these recommended findings, continue to oppose them in court.

The full board will consider the hearing panel’s recommendations and proposed penalties at a formal hearing scheduled for December 18, 2007 at 1:30 p.m., at the Legislative Office Building, Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT, in Conference Room 2C. Written responses, or legal briefs, must be submitted before December 13. At the hearing, both sides will present oral arguments. My legal team will challenge the preliminary findings and the proposed sanctions. It is possible to see movement from a panel’s “Proposed Memorandum of Decision” to an approved final decision, after the full board hears the oral arguments and reads the briefs.

I extend a warm and hearty welcome and encourage your attendance at this hearing. It is important to convey to the full board that this is a matter of considerable importance to the surrounding community. They have reserved a big conference room for this purpose, indicating that they are anticipating a very large turnout. We wouldn't want to disappoint them! Please bear in mind, however, that this will be our first public encounter with the full medical board. It is critical that we do not distract them, or disrupt the proceedings in any way. The press also is likely to show strong interest in these proceedings, and it will be important for them, as well as the members of the board, to see the Lyme community for what it is: responsible, dignified and appropriately involved.

Once again, I want to emphasize that your caring and concern during this process has been invaluable to me. As you know, your financial support has been essential as well, and your generosity has touched me deeply. I hope that you will continue to make donations, to the extent that you are able, to the Charles Ray Jones, M.D. Legal Defense Fund (http://www.lymesite .com/drjones. htm).

I send very best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jones

Charles Ray Jones, M.D.

NOVEMBER 29, 2007

CHARLES RAY JONES, M.D.

Madison Towers

111 Park Street , 1^st Floor

New Haven , Connecticut 06511

Tel (203) 772-1123   Fax (203) 772-0682

 

 

November 29, 2007

 

 

Dear Friends,

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who have stood by my side and supported me during my defense of the charges brought against me by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.  I have greatly appreciated the many expressions of caring and concern expressed through letters, attendance at the hearings in Hartford , during office appointments and more, as well as your support in the form of financial contributions to the Charles Ray Jones, M.D. Legal Defense Fund (CRJMDLDF). The strong solidarity expressed by the Lyme community on my behalf has been an important factor allowing me to persevere, and I am determined to see this process through to a successful conclusion.  Words cannot express the extent and depth of my gratitude to each and every one of you.

 

In light of your concerns, and because your donations have been key to maintaining my legal defense, I feel that it is time to issue another “state of the union” regarding my case, as well as the status of the legal defense fund. 

 

As of this date, the hearing panel assigned to my case is still in deliberations regarding the outcome of the charges against me. Even though the hearings themselves are finished, the hearing panel has been meeting over the past couple months to deliberate my case. I previously announced that we expected them to issue their decision sometime in the Fall of 2007. While I would like to interpret it as a positive sign that they have not issued a hasty decision, the lengthier time frame also has required ongoing attention from my legal team, with associated legal costs continuing to accrue. Also, as I had announced previously, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has indicated that it still plans to move forward with the four additional complaints brought against me, regardless of the outcome of the this case.  These four complaints have been “joined,” meaning that all four complaints will be heard in one legal proceeding.

 

Recently, I issued a statement through Kay Lyon to the effect that my legal expenses have been running $1,000 per day.  I would like to explain that this figure is derived from the bills which we have been receiving on a monthly basis, and includes legal fees, (e.g., legal research, preparation for and face time at meetings and at the hearings, etc.), fees incurred by expert witnesses and consultants, transportation, and so on.  I continue to have the utmost confidence in my legal team, which is doing a remarkable job on my behalf, and ultimately for the children of Lyme who are so vitally in need of access to treatment.

 

I also would like to take this opportunity to clarify a misstatement attributed to me in an article published in the Yankee Magazine (July-August, 2007, p. 96), which stated:  “For his legal defense fund, almost a million dollars has been raised by his patients’ parents and, in some cases, by his patients themselves.”  What I actually said was that, when all this is over, the legal costs related to my defense could well be in excess of one million dollars, including legal fees, expert witnesses’ fees, transportation, and other costs. This pertains not only to the current case, but also to the costs incurred due to the four additional complaints.

 

Some of you have asked for more information regarding the management of the CRJMDLDF, and I would like to take this opportunity to address your questions.  The CRJMDLDF is set up as a “blind fund,” meaning that I have no control over how the money is spent.  Checks are made out to the CRJMDLDF and can only be deposited into an account administered by George Heath III, a certified public accountant, who has volunteered to take the position as comptroller of the fund.  Only he can write checks to pay for legal expenses and other bills generated by my legal defense (expert witness fees, travel costs, etc.).  Several other CPA’s had volunteered to oversee the legal defense fund, but George Heath was first on board and has had a longstanding interest in matters related to Lyme disease. 

 

Please note that the money earmarked for the CRJMDLDF is in no way connected with any Lyme disease advocacy group.  Non-profit organizations by law are prohibited from becoming involved in legal defense funds.  I state with the utmost assurance and confidence that any and all monies contributed to my legal defense fund are being utilized solely for my legal defense, and for no other purpose.

 

With all this in mind, it is important for you to understand that we must keep a balance of at least $30,000 in the legal defense fund at all times, to ensure that funds will be available when needed:

 

At the present time, the legal fund is exceedingly low, and we are barely able to meet our expenses.  More funds are urgently needed.

 

While it pains me deeply to see the already stretched resources of the Lyme community going to pay for legal fees, instead of much needed medical treatment and research, it is nevertheless vitally important that we prevail in our current efforts. With this in mind, I once again must ask you to consider a donation to the CRJMDLDF, in whatever amount your circumstances permit.  For those of you who are unable to contribute financially, please know that your letters and other expressions of support have been vitally important as well.

 

You may donate to my fund in either of two ways:

 

1) By check:  make payable to the CRJMDLDF; write “gift” in the memo section and mail to:

 

The Charles Ray Jones, M.D. Legal Defense Fund

c/o George Heath, III (CPA)

25 Fairlawn Drive

Wallingford , CT 06492

 

2)  By credit card:  a website is now ready to take Paypal credit card contributions to the defense fund:  http://www.DefendLymeDoctors.com

 

If you would like to express your support in another way, please send letters to me at my office:  111 Park Street , 1^st Floor, New Haven , CT. 06511 .

 

I extend to each and every one of you my sincere and heartfelt thanks, and my very best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Jones

 

Charles Ray Jones, M.D.

CHARLES RAY JONES, M.D.
Madison Towers
111 Park Street, 1st Floor
New Haven, Connecticut 06511
Tel (203) 772-1123 Fax (203) 772-0682

March 10, 2007


Dear Friends,


Your tremendous expression of support continues to overwhelm me. I cannot put into words my heartfelt joy, appreciation and love for you all. The charges against me have provided great challenge, but I remain optimistic. I know that my approach to treatment is sound, and maintain my belief that justice ultimately will be served. I also have tremendous confidence in my legal team, which has been working diligently to enable me to prevail.

We have just entered the second year of legal hearings, however, and my legal defense fund is nearly depleted. My ability to mount an appropriate defense, from a financial perspective, is now in jeopardy (legal expenses have been averaging $1000 per day), and will depend on my ability to continue to meet the high cost of this lengthy and complex process. I currently need a fund of $150,000, to be in a position to fight the charges. In order to achieve this, I need your financial backing, in the form of as generous a donation as your circumstances will allow. It pains me greatly to have to ask this of you, knowing the tremendous burdens that Lyme disease already has imposed on so many. It is critical, however, that I retain my license, in order to preserve timely access to appropriate, comprehensive treatment for the children who are so very ill. 

Checks should be made out to the “Charles Ray Jones, M.D. Legal Defense Fund” (write “gift” in the memo section), and mailed to the CRJMDLDF c/o George Heath, III (CPA), 26 Fairlawn Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492. 

Alternatively, credit card donations to the legal defense fund may be made through a PayPal account: www.DefendLymeDoctors.com

Thank you for your continued support, your prayers and good wishes. Regarding your many letters of encouragement, please know that I read and appreciate every single one.


Sincerely,

Charles Ray Jones, M.D.

Message from Dr. Jones about the Sept. 28, 2006 Hearing 

Charles Ray Jones, MD
Susan L. Marra, ND
   Madison Towers
   111 Park Street
New Haven, CT  06511

September 12, 2006

Dear Valued Friends and Patients;

I have just heard from Attorney Pollack that the next scheduled date for the continuation of my hearings is Thursday, September, 28, 2006 at 10:00a.m. in
the Legislative Office Building, Hartford, CT, Room 1E.  As all of you know, this has been a rather tedious and difficult fight for the long term antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease and coinfections in children. However, this hearing is particularly important.  The mother and the two children for
which this hearing is all about will be testifying in regards to the outcome of my Lyme Disease treatment for them.  The mother is very sympathetic to my situation and wants to help me in any way to ensure success and continued
medical practice.  But again, I need your support as well.  If you are able to attend my 5th hearing on September 28, 2006 for 2 or 3 hours, I would greatly appreciate your presence.  The children in question are happy, well
and will demonstrate that my work is worthy and correct.  Please help me to continue fighting this very important pediatric medical issue.  Thousands of children will benefit from a positive outcome of my hearings, and other
physicians will be able to continue practicing without fear that they too may find themselves against a medical board for less than appropriate charges.

Thank you for your continued support, and your presence at this particular hearing would be most appreciated.

Sincerely,
Charles Ray Jones, MD