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News Release — July 26, 2011

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MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

July 26, 2011


Former Orange County physician surrenders license after
Medical Board files Accusation against him

SACRAMENTO — After being served with an Accusation of misconduct by the Medical Board of California, former Orange County physician Luong N. Pham surrendered his license to practice medicine. "The mission of the Medical Board is public protection, and this action reflects the Board's ongoing commitment to that mission," said Linda Whitney, executive director of the Medical Board.

Pham’s staff privileges were summarily suspended while he was employed at a California state prison in Tehachapi. The correctional facility notified the Medical Board of the suspension, and an investigation was initiated. Following the investigation, the Board filed an Accusation against Pham on September 27, 2010.

In the Board’s Accusation, Pham was accused of violating Business and Professions Code sections 2234 (Gross Negligence - 6 Patients); 2234(c) (Repeated Negligent Acts); 2234(d) (Incompetence); and 2266 (Failure to Maintain Adequate Medical Records). The Board alleged Pham, in his treatment of six psychiatric patients, failed to appropriately document that he reviewed patients’ prior histories and current symptoms, conduct necessary mental status examinations, monitor medication dosages, and/or consider differential diagnoses for these patients.

Pham stipulated to the surrender of his medical license, which was adopted by the Medical Board. The Stipulated Surrender of License and Order is effective July 26, 2011..

The public record documents in this case can be accessed on our Web site at www.mbc.ca.gov under the heading “Enforcement Public Documents.”

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The mission of the Medical Board is to protect health care consumers through the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons and certain allied health care professions and through the vigorous, objective enforcement of the Medical Practice Act, and, to promote access to quality medical care through the Board's licensing and regulatory functions.

If you have a question or complaint about the health care you are receiving, the Board encourages you to visit its Web site at www.mbc.ca.gov or call the Consumer Information Line at (916) 263-2382 or (800) 633-2322.

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