The ASC was shut down in March after the state suspended its license. According to Florida healthcare regulators, a certified surgical technologist, rather than a licensed physician, was performing procedures. The ASC allegedly knowingly allowed the unlicensed person to perform procedures.
According to ABC, Dr. Bonati has settled 10 malpractice cases totaling more than $2.5 million. Additionally, the Florida Department of Health website lists 17 discipline cases and five public complaints.
According to the suspension, an unlicensed surgical technologist applied sutures and a surgical drain without surgeon supervision in the room. Dr. Bonati told ABC that a surgeon only needs to be in the building to supervise a technologist, but an administrative complaint says an unlicensed technologist performed an entire spine surgery. Dr. Bonati denies these claims.
Dr. Bonati has never had his medical license suspended or revoked.
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