Quick Links
News Release — June 8, 2012
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
June 8, 2012
Medical Board investigation leads to criminal charges
against four suspects for practicing medicine without a license
SACRAMENTO — After being charged with the crimes of practicing medicine without a license and conspiring to aid and abet the unlicensed practice of medicine, four suspects have agreed to surrender pursuant to warrants issued for their arrest. The criminal charges against all four suspects stem from an investigation by investigators with the Medical Board of California’s Operation Safe 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.
Charged with felonies was Dana Elise Payinda, owner of Laser Solutions in Beverly Hills, CA for practicing medicine without a license. Debra Beth Luftman, M.D. was charged with aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of medicine. Tracy Lynn Poire and Kimberly Benner, R.N. were also charged with practicing medicine.
The Medical Board received a complaint alleging that medical procedures were being conducted at Laser Solutions, and inappropriate medical services were being provided. Undercover operations confirmed that medical treatments were being rendered by non-physicians and prescription medications were being sold without a physician’s order or without the patient being seen by a doctor.
Investigators from the Board’s Operation Safe Medicine served a search warrant in December and seized evidence of illegal ownership and the illegal practice of medicine.
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.”
Consumers are urged to verify the medical license of any practitioner prior to receiving any medical services by contacting the Board, www.mbc.ca.gov or (800) 633-2322.
********
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.
###
