TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Division of Consumer Affairs, announced that Essex County vascular surgeon Marc Watson, MD, will permanently stop practicing medicine in New Jersey. This decision is a resolution to allegations of indiscriminately prescribing controlled substances to addiction patients. Watson, who operated in Cedar Grove, NJ, has surrendered his authority to diagnose, treat, or render medical care in the state, stemming from an investigation by the Division’s Enforcement Bureau.
The State accuses Watson, an addiction medicine practitioner since 2005, of gross negligence and professional misconduct. He allegedly prescribed large quantities of controlled substances without adequate medical justification, including highly addictive medications. His practices also reportedly involved insufficient patient examinations, monitoring, and record-keeping.
An office inspection and patient record review indicated Watson prescribed controlled substances for extended periods without properly assessing medical conditions or exploring alternative treatments. During an August 2023 Preliminary Evaluation Committee session, Watson admitted to lacking formal training in addiction medicine and not conducting in-person patient visits or urine drug screens from March 2020 to August 2021. He also acknowledged shortcomings in obtaining patient medical histories and diagnosing conditions without adequate testing.
Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, stressed the importance of compliance with laws and regulations when prescribing controlled substances, especially to those with substance use disorders. She highlighted the actions taken as crucial to preventing Watson from endangering patients and the public through his prescribing practices.
Under the terms of a final consent order filed on February 22, Watson is required to shut down his medical practice after a 30-day period to transition his patients’ care. His New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Registration will be permanently revoked, prohibiting any future application. Watson will retain his medical license exclusively for conducting mandated on-site testing for construction workers through his mobile Occupational Safety and Health Administration testing company, with strict limitations on practicing medicine beyond these bounds.
The Division of Consumer Affairs’ Enforcement Bureau conducted the investigation, with Deputy Attorney General Michelle F. Mikelberg leading the legal representation for the State.