Psychiatrist allows his license to be revoked, canceled

A local New Orleans psychiatrist who served two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to narcotics charges has let his medical license be revoked and canceled. Dr. Richard Cicinelli, 56, has not practiced since he voluntarily surrendered his license in 1998. After his release in 2000, Cicinelli asked the licensing board to reinstate him, "but it appears not to be possible at this time," said Anthony Marinaro, his attorney.

According to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners' report on his case, Cicinelli was abusing narcotics and alcohol from 1995 through 1997. In addition, the board said, he was having sexual relationships with patients and "exploiting the therapist/patient relationship for his personal and financial needs."