DOH NEWS

State of New York
Department of Health

ALBANY, November 9, 2000 - State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr. P.H. has used her emergency powers to summarily suspend the license of a New York City physician based on his conviction in Federal Court of an act constituting a felony.

Gai-Fu William Yang, M.D., of Flushing, New York was found guilty in United States District Court, Eastern District of New York of one count of Defrauding Health Insurance Companies and Health Care Benefit Programs. He was sentenced to three years probation on condition that he not practice medicine during the probationary period, pay $39,560.42 restitution and a $50,000 fine.

He is charged with one specification of medical misconduct for having been convicted of committing an act that constitutes a crime under Federal law.

A hearing on the charge has been scheduled for December 14.

Information about disciplinary actions taken against physicians licensed in New York State is available from the State Health Department's website (www.health.state.ny.us) or by calling 1-800-663-6114, toll free, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

11/09/00-130-OPA