News Release — February 18, 2005

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February 18, 2005

Medical Board of California Obtains
Suspension of Oroville Physician's License

SACRAMENTO—In response to a Petition filed today, by Supervising Deputy Attorney General Gail Heppell on behalf of the Medical Board of California, a full interim suspension order was issued against the license of Robert I. Kerwood, M.D., age 79, of Oroville by Administrative Law Judge Jaime Roman. The suspension order is based upon a finding that permitting Kerwood to continue to engage in the practice of medicine will endanger the public health, safety, and welfare. The order was immediately effective and bars Kerwood from writing prescriptions or practicing medicine while in effect.

The Medical Board of California and the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) conducted a joint investigation into Kerwood's alleged illegal practices. Kerwood is accused of illegally selling prescriptions for narcotics and other controlled substances without any medical examination. After a three-month undercover investigation confirmed that Kerwood was selling prescriptions for any drugs requested, a search warrant was executed on February 2, 2005 by BINTF with assistance from the Medical Board.

A complaint is being submitted to the Butte County District Attorneys Office for review of criminal charges.

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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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