Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, R, asked the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners to submit information on complaints about a dentist who allegedly obtained his anesthesia permit through false documents.
Here's what you should know:
1. Pankaj Goyal, DDS, is accused of using fake degrees, forged signatures and false documents to obtain a 1301 General Anesthesia Permit, ABC15 reported. The permit allows him to administer general anesthesia or deep sedation by any means.
Dr. Pankaj Goyal's attorney called the allegations "meritless" in a statement to ABC15.
2. According to ABC15, multiple people warned the board's executive director, Elaine Hugunin, about Dr. Goyal's credentials beginning in 2014.
"The board takes its mission to protect the public very seriously," Ms. Hugunin said in an email to ABC15. "Information that relates to any board investigation is confidential and not available to the public pursuant to (state statute)."
3. After ABC15 addressed the dental board about Dr. Goyal's credentials at a June 1 meeting, members decided they would discuss Dr. Goyal's credentials in August if an internal examination uncovered any issues.
4. In a letter dated June 9, Mr. Ducey directed the board to detail the number of complaints it received about Dr. Goyal, the dates they were received and how the board is addressing the situation, all by end of business day June 11.
He also stated his authority to remove a member of the board, "if persistent neglect of duty; incompetency; unfair, biased, partial or dishonorable conduct; or gross immorality is found."
5. Dr. Goyal's anesthesia permit was still listed active on the Arizona Dental Board website as of July 10.