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"His (Nugent) hearing has been continued because the judge needs more time for the case... basically, it's going to be rescheduled," said Public Information Officer for the Michigan Department of Community Health James McCurtis.

McCurtis added the case is now out of the MDCH hands and jurisdiction.

"The Michigan Attorney General's office is now handling this case and the doctor's case," he said.

In an earlier MDCH press release it was stated the state agency has summarily suspended the pharmacist license of Paul J. Nugent, R.Ph., and the pharmacy license of Nugent Pharmacy in Caseville, Michigan, which is owned by Nugent. The DCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public's health, safety and welfare warrant emergency action.

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has also summarily suspended the license to practice medicine of Philip J. Lafata, M.D.

"The pharmacy opened with another registered pharmacist on staff because closing this particular business created a hardship on the community," said McCurtis.

On June 18, 2008, DCH issued an Order of Summary Suspension against Nugent and on June 23, 2008, DCH issued an Order of Summary Suspension and Seizure of Controlled Substances against Nugent Pharmacy pursuant to the Public Health Code.

On June 18, 2008, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Lafata's medical license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Lafata' medical doctor license, which was issued Jan. 1, 1959.

The Attorney General's office did not respond prior to press time to explain why their office is now handling the cases or when the appeal process will continue.