The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has immediately suspended the practical nurse license of Rita May, L.P.N., based on her felony convictions. May failed to report her convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On July 31, 2006, in the Third Judicial Circuit Court, Wayne County, Michigan, May, 50, was convicted of two felony counts of possession of controlled substance/analogues, which was based on unlawful possession of codeine and diazepam.

On Aug. 14, 2006, in the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, Macomb County, Michigan, May was convicted of one felony count of possession of controlled substances (narcotic/cocaine) less than 25 grams. As a result, May was placed on probation for a period of two years with specified terms. The conviction was based on May's unlawful possession and use of crack cocaine.

On Feb. 24, 2009, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending May's license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional upon the conviction of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term of two years, or a controlled substance-related conviction. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of May's license to practice as a licensed practical nurse.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing.