- Board of Registration in Medicine
Wakefield — At its meeting on March 11, 2021, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine took disciplinary action against the medical licenses of Ryan J. Welter, M.D., Naiyer Imam, M.D., Thomas J. McLaughlin, M.D. and Sebastian J. Ciacchella, M.D.
In a Final Decision & Order, the Board suspended the medical license of Dr. Ryan J. Welter after it found that he engaged in false and deceptive advertising by suggesting that he was board-certified in surgery and that an unlicensed physician was in fact licensed. The suspension will be stayed upon entry into a probation agreement. Dr. Welter was first licensed to practice medicine in Massachusetts in July 2000. He practiced medicine in North Attleboro until he entered into a Voluntary Agreement not to Practice Medicine on May 2, 2019.
The Board also reprimanded Dr. Naiyer Imam’s license to practice medicine after he agreed in a Consent Order that he had been disciplined by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice after the Minnesota Board determined that Dr. Imam’s care of a patient departed from or failed to conform to the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing medical practice. Dr. Imam was first licensed to practice medicine in Massachusetts on February 15, 2006.
In another Consent Order, the Board reprimanded Dr. Thomas J. McLaughlin’s license to practice medicine after he admitted that he, as well as the medical practice that he owns, settled a case brought against them by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General alleged that Dr. McLaughlin and his practice had violated various state laws and regulations by accepting cash payments from MassHealth patients for medical treatment. Dr. McLaughlin was first licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth on November 7, 1984. He practices medicine at the Center for Psychiatric Medicine in Lawrence.
The Board also accepted Dr. Sebastian J. Ciacchella’s resignation of his right to renew his medical license. Resignation is a disciplinary action that permanently removes a physician from the practice of medicine. Dr. Ciacchella was licensed to practice medicine in Massachusetts from July 1, 1981 until his license lapsed on August 15, 2007.
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine licenses more than 40,000 physicians, osteopaths and acupuncturists. The Board was created in 1894 to protect the public health and safety by setting standards for the practice of medicine and ensuring that doctors who practice in the Commonwealth are appropriately qualified and competent. The Board investigates complaints and determines sanctions. More information is available at www.mass.gov/massmedboard, or you may contact the Board at borimmedia@massmail.state.ma.us