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News Release — August 19, 2011
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
August 19, 2011
Medical Board of California investigation leads to arrest and
conviction for practicing medicine without a license
SACRAMENTO — Medical Board of California investigators from Operation Safe Medicine were successful in initiating the arrest and conviction of an unlicensed person in the greater Los Angeles area. On Wednesday, August 17, 2011, in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Katharine McCall (a.k.a. Katie McCall) was found guilty of practicing medicine without a license. “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.
The Medical Board opened an investigation on McCall after receiving a complaint from a witness stating that McCall delivered a baby. The witness complained that McCall appeared to lack knowledge and experience. McCall claimed to be a student midwife. She was not under the supervision of a licensed midwife or physician and surgeon when she delivered a baby. Due to her negligence, there were complications. The investigation also revealed that her actions posed a danger and risk to the consumers of California.
Business and Professions Code section 2514 states that a student midwife who is enrolled or participating in a midwifery program or who is enrolled in a program of supervised clinical training may practice midwifery in California as long as they are under the supervision of a licensed midwife who holds a clear and unrestricted license in this state; who is present on the premises at all times when client services are provided; and who is practicing pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2507 as a physician and surgeon.
The Medical Board encourages consumers to refer to its Web site at www.mbc.ca.gov to verify that their health care provider holds a valid, unrestricted license to practice.
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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.
For up-to-date information on Board activities, please join our "Subscribers' List" at www.mbc.ca.gov/subscribers.html.
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