News Release — January 3, 2007

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January 3, 2007

Medical Board of California Accusation
Leads to Surrender of Fresno Physician's License

SACRAMENTO—Facing an Accusation of wrongdoing by the Medical Board of California, Fresno physician Leonard J. Lovalvo, M.D. has surrendered his license to practice medicine. The stipulated surrender of his medical license was adopted on December 26, 2006 and became effective on January 2, 2007. Medical Board Executive Director Dave Thornton stated, "The mission of the Medical Board is to protect healthcare consumers. We work diligently to achieve our mission by vigorously enforcing the Medical Practice Act."

The Medical Board accused Lovalvo of unprofessional conduct for violating Business and Professions Code sections 2234(b) (gross negligence) and 726 (sexual misconduct) with one patient he treated for eight years. While treating the patient in his private proctology practice, Lovalvo engaged in an act of sexual misconduct while the patient was lying on the examination table, thereby subjecting his medical license to discipline.

Lovalvo had previously been disciplined by the board for sexual misconduct. Pursuant to a Stipulated Settlement and Disciplinary Order in August 1991, the board placed Lovalvo on 90 days' suspension and 10 years' probation.

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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.mbc.ca.gov or for questions call the Consumer Information Line at (916) 263-2382, or with complaints call (800) 633-2322.

For up-to-date information on board activities, please join our "Subscribers' List" at www.mbc.ca.gov/subscribers.htm.

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