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News Release — February 28, 2005
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
February 28, 2005
Three San Jose Residents Agree to Unlicensed Practice of Medicine Plea
SACRAMENTO—Three San Jose residents have agreed to plead guilty to a scheme involving the unlicensed practice of medicine. After an investigation by the Medical Board of California and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, the three were arrested and charged in November 2003 with the unlicensed practice of medicine, battery with serious bodily injury, mayhem, and unlawful rebates for patient referrals. The original charges centered around a breast implant surgery on a victim causing great bodily injury and disfigurement. Additional victims were identified.
Nguyen Nhu Quang, 62, of San Jose, pleaded guilty to 21 counts including the unlicensed practice of medicine, battery, distribution of narcotics and paying kickbacks for patient referrals. He had faced more than 27 years in prison, but in the plea agreement, faces no more than 12 years in state prison.
Julie Thuy-Huong Trinh, 36, pleaded guilty to 16 charges including battery and practicing cosmetology and medicine without a license. Trinh had faced more than 18 years in prison, but in the plea agreement, faces no more than five years in state prison.
Minh Ly Utley, 58, pleaded guilty to charges including aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of medicine. She had faced more than 16 years in prison, but in the plea agreement, faces no more than five years in state prison. Formal sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2005.
The convictions came after a joint investigation by the Medical Board of California, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and the Department of Insurance. Nguyen Nhu Quang, who is not a physician, performed breast implant surgery causing great bodily injury and disfigurement. Julie Thuy-Huong Trinh acted as Quang's surgical assistant. Both Minh Ly and Julie Thuy-Huong Trinh referred patients to Quang through their separately operated "beauty care" businesses, in exchange for unlawful compensation from Quang.
Due to the extreme danger posed to the public health by unlicensed persons, the Medical Board urges anyone with questions or concerns about physicians to confirm the licensing of such persons before obtaining treatment.
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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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