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News Release — July 17, 2003
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
July 17, 2003
Medical Board Obtains Suspension of
San Francisco Physician's License
SACRAMENTO—On July 15, 2003, Administrative Law Judge Ruth S. Astle signed an order which prohibits San Francisco physician James Kevin Rist, M.D. from practicing medicine; possessing, prescribing, dispensing, furnishing, administering or otherwise distributing any controlled substance or any dangerous drug; and possessing or holding his physician wall and wallet certificates, any triplicates and regular prescription blanks, DEA order forms, and any DEA permits. He has been ordered to appear at the Office of Administrative Hearings in Oakland on August 4, 2003 to show cause why the suspension of his license to practice medicine should not be extended.
This followed a filing by the Medical Board for a Petition of Interim Order based on complaints of alleged patient abandonment. After separately interviewing peers and relatives of Rist, a Board investigator learned that there was an extreme change in his behavior over the past year. During that time, Rist allegedly failed to meet financial responsibilities - falling deeply into debt and failing to keep appointments with patients.
Investigators met with Rist on March 14, 2003 and he confirmed his financial problems and admitted that he may not have followed up with some of his patients. He provided a urine sample that when analyzed tested positive for the presence of Methamphetamine.
On April 9, Rist admitted to Board investigators that he had ingested a form of Methamphetamine known as "crystal meth" by smoking it over a period of approximately one year. He also signed a voluntary agreement for a mental examination but failed to make or keep the appointment. He was advised by the Board that if he had not scheduled an appointment for the mental examination by June 4, the matter would be referred to the Office of the Attorney General.
As of July 17, 2003, Rist had not arranged nor undergone a mental examination. His use of Methamphetamine puts the patients he treats at great risk of harm because of the mental impairment that chronic use can cause.
After the August 4 Interim Suspension Order (ISO) hearing, if the ISO is ordered, the Board has 15 days to file an Accusation.
The mission of the Medical Board is to protect healthcare consumers through the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons and certain allied healthcare professions and through the vigorous, objective enforcement of the Medical Practice Act.
If you have a question or complaint about the healthcare you are receiving, the Board encourages you to visit its Web site www.medbd.ca.gov or for questions call the Consumer Information Line at (916) 263-2382, or with complaints call (800) 633-2322.
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