News Release — April 12, 2007

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April 12, 2007

Medical Board of California Obtains
Suspension of San Mateo Physician's Medical License

SACRAMENTO—The Medical Board of California has obtained a "no practice" order against William Hamilton Ayres, M.D. of San Mateo, effective April 11, 2007. Judge Kathleen McKenna of the Superior Court of the County of San Mateo signed the "no practice" order in response to a request by Deputy Attorney General Lawrence Mercer, on behalf of the Medical Board. Dr. Ayres advised the court that he did not object to entry of the order. The board's request was filed pursuant to Penal Code section 23 which permits a licensing agency, in the interest of protecting the public, to make an appearance before the court in a criminal action against its licensee and to recommend that the licensee be prohibited from practicing medicine as a condition of release on bail or probation. 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."

On April 6, 2007 Ayres was arrested by the San Mateo Police Department and charged with 14 felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14.

The Medical Board is continuing to pursue further action on this matter.

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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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