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News Release — September 17, 2003
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
September 17, 2003
Medical Board Accusation Leads to Surrender
of San Diego Physician's Medical License
SACRAMENTO—Facing a formal Accusation of wrongdoing by the Medical Board of California, San Diego physician Martin F. Lorenz, M.D. has been ordered to surrender his license to practice medicine. The stipulated surrender of his medical license was ordered on September 10, 2003 and becomes effective on September 17, 2003.
The Medical Board accused Lorenz of violating Business and Professions Code sections 2234(b) (gross negligence) after he prescribed, on three different occasions, Vicodin to a patient who he knew had a history of narcotic abuse, and without a physical examination or any record keeping of the treatment; 2234 (general unprofessional conduct) for failing to complete at least 13 patient charts of patients at Villa View Community Hospital resulting in the suspension of his hospital privileges; 2242 (prescribing a dangerous drug without a good faith examination) to a patient he knew had a history of narcotic abuse; and 2266 (failure to maintain adequate records) as noted above.
Lorenz admitted to the truth of each of these charges. He further admitted that he was terminated from the Board's Diversion Program for failing to successfully complete mandatory requirements. Lorenz agreed that cause existed for discipline and surrender of his physician's and surgeon's license.
Lorenz loses all rights and privileges as a physician and surgeon in California effective September 17, 2003.
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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 at 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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