HARRISBURG - The Department of State investigates when physicians are arrested for driving under the influence to consider possible sanctions, if it is made aware of such cases.
Matthew Keeler, deputy press secretary, offered that explanation when asked Tuesday about the case of Dr. Raymond J. Kraynak, 54, of 1401 Scott St., Kulpmont, who was charged with DUI on June 26.
"If a physician is arrested for driving under the influence, and the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs legal department and then the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (both part of the Pennsylvania Department of State) find out about it, they would initiate an investigation," Keeler said.
The departments would only be notified, however, if a complaint is filed. A complaint form is available at the Pennsylvania Department of State's website and it can be mailed in, Keeler said.
As per department policy, he could neither confirm nor deny if an investigation has begun regarding Kraynak, who is also a member of the Mount Carmel Area School Board.
The doctor, who lists office locations in Mount Carmel, Shamokin and Ashland, was charged in connection with an incident on Saturday, May 26, in which he allegedly stopped at a DUI checkpoint in Coal Township to offer medical assistance at what he thought was a traffic accident.
Sanctions depend
If the state conducts an investigation, it doesn't necessarily mean sanctions would be imposed, Keeler said.
"If the investigation shows probable cause that the physician's continued practice would constitute an immediate and clear and present danger to the public health and safety, a petition for temporary suspension of the physician's license could be filed," he said.
He said a petition could be filed before the criminal case is settled, but repeated the need to show "an immediate and clear danger."
Kraynak could also face disciplinary action after he is convicted, according to the state board's rules.
A search of disciplinary actions for 2012 from the State Board of Medicine shows that, through May, no sanctions have been imposed against any physicians related to a DUI charge.
Staggering at scene
Kraynak was charged by Coal Township Police Patrolman Matthew Henrich, who was working the Memorial Day weekend sobriety checkpoint.
Kraynak, police have charged, parked his 1994 Ford convertible behind a Mount Carmel Township police vehicle, which had its emergency lights activated, at about 11 p.m., then staggered toward Sunbury City Patrolman Stephen R. Bennick, who was also working the checkpoint. Kraynak informed Bennick he was there to help, thinking a traffic accident had occurred, police said.
Bennick said Kraynak's speech was slurred, his body was swaying and his breath smelled of alcohol. He took Kraynak to Henrich, who said the doctor then failed field sobriety tests. Included was a one-legged stand test, which the officer said he stopped because Kraynak's instability created a risk of falling.
Henrich said Kraynak refused to be submit to blood testing. Kraynak told the officers he would have his own blood drawn when he was released, according to police.
Police said Kraynak's car was running with its lights on, the transmission was in neutral and the emergency was brake not applied.
Hearing set July 31
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. July 31 before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin.
A call to Kraynak's Mount Carmel office about 4 p.m. Tuesday was answered by a man from an answering service, who said Kraynak was gone for the holiday. There is no public listing for a home number.