CHARLES RAY JONES, M.D.
Madison Towers
111 Park Street, 1st Floor
New Haven, Connecticut 06511
Tel (203) 772-1123 Fax (203) 772-0682

December 5, 2007

Dear Friends,

I have appreciated the many expressions of support being conveyed to me by so many of you, and want to keep you apprised of the latest developments regarding the charges brought against me by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Almost as soon as I had issued my previous update to you, the hearing panel assigned to my case released its "Proposed Memorandum of Decision.” This decision, which is preliminary, recommends that many of the charges against me be upheld and outlines the following sanctions: a reprimand from the Connecticut Medical Examining Board, a total civil penalty in the amount of $10,000, and a two-year supervised probationary period, to be conducted by a physician who will review my patient records at my expense. My license, however, was neither suspended nor revoked, nor was it recommended that it should be.

I want you to understand the potential impact of these recommendations, if they are allowed to stand. For example, the proposed decision states that I have been charged with failing to reconsider my diagnosis of Lyme disease in light of the negative Western Blot tests in April, 2005. It also states that I have been charged with diagnosing a disease in very low risk patients, with non-specific medical histories, non-specific signs and symptoms, and negative laboratory tests. Bear in mind that the record indicates that these patients had traveled to other states, had camped in Oklahoma, and had a history of tick attachments. A panel of the Connecticut Medical Examining Board has determined that the Connecticut Department of Public Health has sustained its burden of proof with regard to these charges, meaning that I am guilty as charged.

As you can see, these recommendations fail to take into account the unreliability of laboratory testing for Lyme disease. If they are not overturned, they will seriously impede my freedom to diagnose and treat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases based on my clinical judgment and expertise, despite the fact that I will be allowed to retain my medical license. Furthermore, these findings will set a dangerous precedent for other physicians treating Lyme disease. That is why we must prevail and, if we are unable to reverse these recommended findings, continue to oppose them in court.

The full board will consider the hearing panel’s recommendations and proposed penalties at a formal hearing scheduled for December 18, 2007 at 1:30 p.m., at the Legislative Office Building, Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT, in Conference Room 2C. Written responses, or legal briefs, must be submitted before December 13. At the hearing, both sides will present oral arguments. My legal team will challenge the preliminary findings and the proposed sanctions. It is possible to see movement from a panel’s “Proposed Memorandum of Decision” to an approved final decision, after the full board hears the oral arguments and reads the briefs.

I extend a warm and hearty welcome and encourage your attendance at this hearing. It is important to convey to the full board that this is a matter of considerable importance to the surrounding community. They have reserved a big conference room for this purpose, indicating that they are anticipating a very large turnout. We wouldn't want to disappoint them! Please bear in mind, however, that this will be our first public encounter with the full medical board. It is critical that we do not distract them, or disrupt the proceedings in any way. The press also is likely to show strong interest in these proceedings, and it will be important for them, as well as the members of the board, to see the Lyme community for what it is: responsible, dignified and appropriately involved.

Once again, I want to emphasize that your caring and concern during this process has been invaluable to me. As you know, your financial support has been essential as well, and your generosity has touched me deeply. I hope that you will continue to make donations, to the extent that you are able, to the Charles Ray Jones, M.D. Legal Defense Fund (http://www.lymesite.com/drjones.htm).

I send very best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jones

Charles Ray Jones, M.D.