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News Release — December 30, 2004
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
December 30, 2004
Medical Board of California Accusation Leads to
Surrender of Palos Verdes Estates Physician's Medical License
SACRAMENTO—Facing a formal Accusation by the Medical Board of California for multiple violations of the Medical Practice Act, Palos Verdes Estates physician Larry Melvin Colman, M.D. has surrendered his license to practice medicine. On December 23, 2004, the Division of Medical Quality accepted his surrender, which becomes effective on December 30, 2004.
In a Second Amended Accusation, the Medical Board accused Colman of violating multiple sections of the Business and Professions Code, including sections 2234(b) (c) (d) (e) (gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, incompetence and dishonesty); section 2261 (making false statements); and section 725 (excessive use of diagnostic procedure) in his care and treatment of two patients. Without having proper prior training, Colman performed ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, and colonoscopies. While performing a colonoscopy on one patient, Colman failed to detect a carcinoma or precancerous lesion which resulted in the death of the patient. Colman engaged in acts of dishonesty when he obtained and maintained colonoscopy privileges at the SurgiCenter of South Bay by false representation of his qualifications. The division accepted his surrender where he admitted to a violation of section 822 (physical illness affecting competency).
On June 2, 2000, an Accusation and Petition to Revoke Probation had been filed against Colman alleging acts involving dishonesty and making false statements in connection with quarterly reporting forms regarding his compliance with the terms of his probation. On June 20, 2001, a stipulated settlement and disciplinary order was adopted by the Division of Medical Quality and the terms of Colman's prior probation were continued along with additional terms and conditions, including a public letter of reprimand.
A First Supplemental Accusation, initially filed by the Board, alleged fraud, dishonest acts, and the making of false medical records in that Colman, in a communication with a patient's insurance company described as a medical procedure what was in fact a cosmetic procedure. The First Supplemental Accusation also alleged gross negligence and repeated negligence in the treatment of two patients. In a stipulated settlement and disciplinary order adopted by the Division of Medical Quality on March 3, 1997, Colman was placed on five years' probation under certain terms and conditions.
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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.caldocinfo.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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