Judge Change in Nepali Doctor’s USMLE Score Invalidation Case Brings New Developments

The case concerning the USMLE score invalidation of Nepali doctors has been assigned to Judge Christopher R. Cooper. Christopher Reid “Casey” Cooper serves as a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He was appointed by Barack Obama on March 28, 2014.

Friday, February 16, 2024: The plaintiff, representing affected Nepali doctors in the ongoing lawsuit concerning the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) score invalidation, filed a motion for leave to appear Pro Hac Vice for attorney Kritika Tara Deb.  This development suggests a change in legal representation for the affected Nepali doctors as the case progresses. Charles Gerstein is listed as the attorney handling this motion.

Thursday, February 15, 2024: In a significant turn of events, Judge Christopher R. Cooper issued a Minute Order granting a motion for leave to appear Pro Hac Vice for attorney Jamie Crooks. While allowing Crooks to participate in the case, the Judge reminded that local civil rules recommend attorneys practicing law from an office in the District of Columbia to be members of the Bar of this Court and the District of Columbia Bar. The Court encouraged Crooks to submit an application to the Court’s bar for future cases.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024: The court issued a summons electronically to the National Board of Medical Examiners in response to the affected Nepali doctors’ motion to certify a class under Rule 23(b)(2). The case has been assigned to Judge Christopher R. Cooper. In light of the motion, the court invited the defendant to stipulate whether it would extend any injunctive relief granted to the proposed class. If no stipulation is made, both parties are ordered to brief the motion concurrently with the existing schedule.

The Defendant is required to file its opposition to the motion for class certification by 5:00 p.m. on February 18, 2024. The affected Nepali doctors must file their reply within 24 hours of receiving notification of the opposition on ECF. These developments indicate a progression in the legal proceedings surrounding the Nepali Doctor’s USMLE score invalidation case.

Monday, February 12, 2024: A US court, presided over by Judge Rudolph Contreras, temporarily suspended the deadline for affected Nepali doctors due to the USMLE score invalidation. The extension, granted in response to a preliminary injunction request, remains in effect until a final decision is made. The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) is obligated to inform relevant organizations about this extension.

The court order specifies that any party involved may notify other potentially interested third parties about the extended deadline for responses. The court acknowledges that NBME does not concede any relief due to the Plaintiff or any putative class member and reserves all rights and defenses. The score invalidation had placed Nepali doctors in a precarious situation, with potential immigration issues. The court order provides temporary relief as they await the final decision on the injunction.

The order reflects a joint stipulation between the plaintiffs and NBME, suggesting a potential collaborative approach. However, NBME has not conceded any wrongdoing or agreed to reinstate the scores. The future for these doctors remains uncertain as the court weighs the arguments and delivers its final verdict in the coming weeks.