Doctor denies all charges of sexual harassment, overprescription of meds

POULSBO — Dr. Narinder Duggal of Liberty Bay Internal Medicine denies in a formal filing that he failed to properly examine patients, overprescribed medication, made sexual advances toward one patient and engaged in a sexual relationship with another, as charged by the state.

Duggal filed his denial with the state Medical Quality Assurance Commission Friday. The state filed a Statement of Charges Nov. 28, detailing six former patients’ complaints against Duggal.

Larry Berg, an attorney with the medical commission, said there are 131 factual allegations against Duggal. Berg said the medical commission will now assign a judge to the case, who will set a scheduling conference between Duggal's representatives and the Attorney General's office. The scheduling conference will set the deadlines for exhibit and witness lists, a cut-off date for discovery of evidence, depositions and the final hearing.

Disciplinary actions that may be taken include fines, counseling, practice limitations, and license suspension or revocation.

There are six other pending complaints against Duggal, and Berg said in an earlier interview it is highly likely the statement will be amended at least once, “knowing what I know about the various matters being currently investigated,” Berg said. "During this time, an amended statement could be filed.”

Berg said it is possible the date of the hearing could change depending on what point in time the statement is amended. If the amendments are filed soon, Berg said, “it is possible the case would stay on track."

Duggal’s attorney, Carol Sue Janes, declined to comment Monday. “We don’t have any statement at this time,” she said.

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.