The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has immediately suspended the registration to practice occupational therapy of Dana Patrice McDade, O.T., based on her conviction in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division.

On Dec. 20, 2007, McDade was convicted of Health Care Fraud, a felony. As a result, McDade, 38, was sentenced to probation for a period of three years with terms, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $228,540.00.

On Nov. 24, 2008, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending McDade's registration 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 McDade's registration to practice occupational therapy.

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.