Carson City chiropractor disciplined by board

A Carson City chiropractor may challenge a recent decision from the state Chiropractic Physicians' Board that placed him on three years of probation for violating state law, his attorney said Friday.

Dr. Mark Mattoon, who operated Carson Valley Chiropractic on Jeanell Drive, was disciplined for dispensing a non-Food and Drug Administration-approved substance to an 82-year-old patient with arthritic pain.

"He was never provided a right of counsel at his hearing and they proceeded over his objection," said Reno attorney James Boles, who represents Mattoon. "We're considering further action."

According to board documents, Boles was notified by certified mail about the hearing, but did not attend or participate in it. Mattoon has had medical problems recently and has referred all patients to another Carson City chiropractor. He could not be reached for comment.

Mattoon was also found guilty at the June 10 hearing for employing four uncertified assistants to provide chiropractic care. Three of those assistants were employed in 2002. One assistant was hired in January 2004 and did not apply for her chiropractic assistant certification until eight months later. Under Nevada law, an assistant must apply for certification within the first 30 days of training.

According to the administrative decision, Mattoon dispensed a 4-ounce bottle of demethyl sulfoxide to an 82-year-old woman to rub on her skin for arthritic pains. The substance is not approved by the FDA to be used for medical treatment.

The FDA has approved its use only for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. It is commonly used as a liniment for horses, although its use in humans is controversial, according to the Wikipedia Encyclopedia. It has been used for a variety of ailments, including pain, inflammation and arthritis.

Mattoon was also found guilty of failing to provide complete self-inspection forms in 2000 and 2001.

The board decided to place the doctor on probation and fine him $6,000. He was also required to take 12 hours of risk management classes. Mattoon was also required to hire a compliance officer at his own expense to monitor his practice to watch for further violations. If any of the requirements were violated during the three-year probation, Mattoon could face further discipline.

-- Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.