'Anesthetist' didn't have a license, officials say
She worked for a plastic surgeon who was disciplined after a patient fell into a coma and died.
By Associated Press
Published August 11, 2004
SARASOTA - A woman who was not a licensed nurse administered anesthesia in a cosmetic surgery clinic where a patient died after breast augmentation surgery, officials said.
Michelle Lynn Lawrence was charged with practicing health care without a license, a felony. Several former employees at the Cosmetic Surgery Center saw Lawrence administering anesthesia to patients, according to the arrest warrant. When asked about her background, she gave vague answers, the warrant said.
A doctor she allegedly assisted, Dr. Kurt Dangl, had his medical license restricted after state health officials said he committed gross malpractice with a patient who lapsed into a coma while under anesthesia for breast augmentation surgery in September 2003 and later died.
The warrant doesn't say whether Lawrence allegedly assisted in the surgery that led to Julie Rubenzer's death.
Records from the Cosmetic Surgery Center list Lawrence as an anesthetic provider and said she administered Ketamine and fentanyl, controlled drugs that can only be used by practitioners or licensed nurses.
Investigators found no record that she had a nursing license in any state, the arrest warrant said.
"I knew the doctor was in trouble but had no idea she was involved," said Susan Gilmore, Lawrence's mother. "I can't imagine she would do this."
Rubenzer's father said he met Lawrence in Sarasota while his daughter was in a coma.
"Dangl introduced her to us as his nurse," Don Ayer said. "Then we find out she's a secretary with no medical qualifications."
