Larry Pettis

Introduction

Larry Pettis is a New Jersey pain management specialist whose medical license was permanently revoked by the State Board of Medical Examiners following his conviction on a federal charge of unlawful drug distribution. Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced the Final Consent Order, which also ended Pettis’s registration to prescribe controlled dangerous substances in New Jersey. Evidence cited in the announcement alleged that he pre-signed prescriptions so another individual could issue them in his absence, wrote opioid prescriptions without first assessing patients, and altered and fabricated medical records. Pettis, who practiced in Williamstown, has not practiced in New Jersey since January 2025 and was scheduled for sentencing in October 2026.

Background Information

Pettis practiced pain management in Williamstown, in Gloucester County, New Jersey. The specialty placed him among physicians authorized to prescribe controlled dangerous substances, a privilege regulated by the Drug Control Unit of the Division of Consumer Affairs alongside the State Board of Medical Examiners. Acting Director Christopher L. Peterson later cited New Jersey’s “strict prescribing rules” as a safeguard that Pettis, prosecutors said, repeatedly disregarded in the fight against the opioid epidemic. His legal troubles began in December 2024, when federal agents arrested him. In January 2025, he entered into an Interim Consent Order voluntarily surrendering his medical license pending the resolution of the criminal charges, and he has not practiced medicine in New Jersey since.

The Controversy or Incident That Led to Their Cancellation

Adjudicated. Pettis pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully distributing a controlled substance, a conviction of court record, and the State Board of Medical Examiners acted on that conviction. His sentencing was pending at the time of the announcement.

The case against Pettis combined a criminal prosecution with professional discipline. Federal agents arrested him in December 2024, and he subsequently pleaded guilty to unlawfully distributing a controlled substance. The evidence against him alleged that he pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances so that another individual, who was unable to issue such prescriptions, could issue the prescriptions when Pettis was out of the office. The evidence also showed that he issued prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances without first assessing patients, and that he allegedly altered and fabricated medical records for patients receiving controlled substances. The Board’s Final Consent Order resolved allegations that his conduct in the criminal matter amounted to professional misconduct, involved a crime directly related to his responsibilities as a physician, and was serious enough to warrant permanent revocation of his medical license.

Public Reaction and Consequences

Announcing the revocation, Attorney General Davenport said: “There is no place in the medical profession for doctors who abuse their prescribing privileges by unlawfully distributing controlled substances that fuel addiction, overdoses, and death.” She added: “We will continue to protect the public by seeking the strongest possible sanctions against physicians who break the law and expose their patients to grave harm.”

Peterson said: “New Jersey’s strict prescribing rules have helped us turn the tide on the opioid epidemic in our state, but this physician repeatedly disregarded those safeguards and violated the standards expected of every medical professional.” He added: “By removing this dangerous prescriber from practice, we’re enhancing public safety and gaining critical traction in our fight to end the addiction crisis.”

The consequences were sweeping. Under the Consent Order, filed on July 29, 2026, Pettis must immediately cease and desist from all patient contact at any location in New Jersey and from prescribing medications and rendering medical care. He is barred from entering the premises of his former medical practice during business hours when patients may be present, and he is precluded from managing, overseeing, supervising, or influencing the practice of medicine or the provision of healthcare activities in New Jersey, including by testifying as an expert witness or being retained as a consulting expert.

Current Status

Pettis has not practiced medicine in New Jersey since January 2025. The Final Consent Order permanently revoking his license was filed on July 29, 2026, and the Drug Control Unit has permanently revoked his registration to prescribe controlled dangerous substances in the state. His sentencing was scheduled for October 2026. Deputy Attorney General Karen Webber represented the state, under the supervision of Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner. Individuals who believe they were treated inappropriately by a licensed professional can file an online complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs or call 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

Impact on Their Career/Life

The revocation permanently ends Pettis’s ability to practice medicine in New Jersey. He cannot have patient contact anywhere in the state, prescribe medications, render medical care, or enter his former practice when patients may be present. The restrictions extend beyond direct care: he may not manage, oversee, supervise, or influence the practice of medicine, and he cannot monetize his medical expertise as an expert witness or consulting expert. He must also divest himself from any current and future financial interest in, or benefit derived from, the practice of medicine in New Jersey, and from charging, receiving, or sharing in any fee for professional services rendered by others. With sentencing ahead in October 2026, the criminal consequences of his guilty plea remained unresolved at the time of the announcement.

Sources

• New Jersey Office of Attorney General, “State Board of Medical Examiners Permanently Revokes License of Gloucester County Pain Management Doctor Convicted of Illegally Distributing Opioids,” August 5, 2026 — source