Newsletter

Medical Board of California News

The Board's Mission

The mission of the Medical Board of Californians to protect health care consumers through the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons and certain allied health care professionals 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.

Need a Speaker?

If you would like a speaker from the Medical Board of California to address your organization, please contact Public Affairs Manager Carlos Villatoro at: Carlos.Villatoro@mbc.ca.gov

Editor's Spotlight

By Emmalee Ross

Kids will read about 2020 in their history books.

I have heard this said numerous times over the past few months. While 2020 may seem like the never-ending year as we face new twists and turns almost every month, we, as a human race, continue to trudge on with every new development.

It may not always be pretty and we may not agree with each other on every issue, but we continue to move forward - finding a new normal, attempting to right wrongs, and looking for the good in the bad.

Amongst the devastation, chaos, and confusion of COVID-19, the death of George Floyd sparked a movement across the country, shining a spotlight on similar tragedies and providing a voice and platform for a change.

Fully aware of the racial disparities in health care, Dr. Cecilia Divin jumped into action during the Sacramento protests. Divin rallied over 300 physicians to show their support and stand in solidarity with their community against racism.

With COVID-19 quarantine in full effect since mid-March, medical schools and programs closed their doors for in-person sessions. This proved difficult for all - schools, programs, and the Medical Board of California (Board) included. During this challenge, the Board expanded access to its online portal for uploading documents during the lockdowns and beyond. Find out how your school or program can register now.

Have questions regarding your medical assistant's scope of practice? MBC's Public Information Analyst, Alexandria Schembra, gives physicians all the details on page 16.

Throughout the chaotic year, one thing remains true: California physicians and allied healthcare professionals continue to show up and provide the highest standard of care no matter what. For that, we thank you for your bravery, kindness, compassion and doing what only you can.

President's Message: Critical Times Call for Bold Actions

By Denise Pines

Dear Californians,

I have a friend who begins her emails by wishing me a "Happy Blursday!" It always makes me smile, then it makes me reflect on the many ways COVID-19—with sheltering in place, working from home, socially distancing, and a total confusion about what day/week/month we're in—has changed our way of life.

COVID-19 has also transformed the ways the Medical Board of California (Board) performs its business. For example, we now hold our quarterly meetings virtually. This is not our preference, of course; we would much rather meet face to face. However, it is the right thing to do as we prioritize everyone's safety.

As a consequence of the global pandemic:

Medical facilities are trying to bring in additional staff.

New postgraduates are responding to the changes in requirements for their training licenses (which went into effect January 1, 2020).

Physicians and allied healthcare providers who are retired or inactive can temporarily have their licenses restored. (See the Spring 2020 newsletter for more on the Department of Consumer Affairs Waivers).

All of these efforts are designed to allow for a larger pool of healthcare professionals to serve during this critical time. However, with the increase in postgraduate applications, compounded by the pandemic, waivers, and strain on resources, the time it took to review and process applications began increasing in April 2020 and now takes on average 55 days, when in the past it has taken 28 days. The Board remains committed to bringing the processing timeframe down.

One thing that has not changed is our commitment to improving our communication. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify a couple of meeting practices. At Board meetings, please be aware that any public comment should provide information to the Board members, as the window of time allotted does not allow for a discussion between Board members and the public. Board members listen to comments on all agenda items, and may consider public comments when voting on a specific agenda item. They may also ask for a future agenda item on a topic raised during public comment, but no other action can be taken during the meeting on an item that is not on the agenda. Though this may seem like Board members are not being responsive, following these guidelines is critical to ensuring the rules of the Open Meeting Act are followed to avoid compromising the speaker's goals or the Board's mission.

A different format exists for our Interested Parties Meeting with consumer advocates. In these gatherings, we sit down together and have an open dialogue to address the issues before us. These meetings have been fruitful, and I look forward to continuing them into this new term.

The Board continues to evolve, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to its newest member, Dr. Cinthia Tirado, a practicing anesthesiologist. I look forward to her insight and knowledge as we prepare for the year-end, November 2020 Board meeting.

I also want to recognize retired Board Member David Warmoth. As we made policy decisions that impacted both licensees and consumers, I have relied upon his fair voice at the table, and I thank him for his thoughtful and dedicated service.

Finally, we learn more every day about COVID-19 as our legislators continue to gather data on the impact of this dreadful virus. One disturbing revelation is how it has been especially deadly for the elderly and people of color.

I want to assure you that, through our licensing and enforcement efforts, I and the Board are committed to ensuring we have a qualified, licensed physician workforce so all Californians are the recipients of health equity.

I wish you a happy—and healthy—Blursday.

Denise Pines

White Coats against Racism

By Emmalee Ross

Following the death of George Floyd, killed in police custody in Minnesota on May 25, 2020, racial tension and turmoil spread across the country. During this time, social media was effective in illuminating hope, joy, unity, hate, fear, and everything in between.

Dr. Cecilia Divin - a part-time family physician - used social media to unite her community and raise awareness of the racial discrepancies in the healthcare system. It's a familiar issue for Divin, who's been championing it since she began practicing medicine in 2009.

Three days before a protest surrounding Floyd's death was to occur at the State Capitol in Sacramento, Divin reached out to a Facebook group of Sacramento physician moms to garner interest in protesting with their community.

Moments after posing the question, Divin was shocked by the number of responses and support to organize, formalize, and make it an official event. Starting as a small group of Sacramento physician moms, it soon grew to over 300 people in what became known as White Coats Against Racism, a group of physicians that aims to raise awareness about racial disparities in the healthcare system.

"Although it started with the George Floyd incident, I wanted to leave it open to other races as well," says Divin, who was overwhelmed by the outpouring and support from other physicians. "That way we, as a community - and doctors specifically - could be united and have a platform to raise racism awareness within health care and how racism affects healthcare outcomes."

Divin explained that several statistics show disparities in health care negatively impact minorities. The most recent statistics being COVID-19, which indicate a much wider spread among Latino Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans.

"Years and years of racism in our country has caused minorities to have less access to health care and fit into these groups that are social determinates of health - including employment issues, income issues, where they live, access to food and healthy options, and access to education and health coverage," says Divin. "Then you have to think about the distrust in health care and medicine as well."

Throughout history, medical experiments, sterilizations, and vaccine testing all done without consent on minority communities is what Divin attributes to the distrust in medicine. Explaining that distrust in the healthcare system, compiled with structural racism has led minorities to be more prone to social determinates of health.

"What's really crazy is we're not really taught this - definitely not in our history books - but not in medical school," says Divin, who became passionate about this subject early on. "I attended a conference in college about minority health…and the woman who spoke really spoke to my heart. She brought up something I never realized before - there were no studies being done on how things affect minorities differently…it was eye opening."

At that moment, Divin knew this was her career calling. As she completed college and attended medical school while studying minority discrepancies in health care, she made a surprising discovery.

"What I realized was the studies themselves were racist. We were eventually taught things like blacks have different kidney functions and different reactions to medications - which isn't true - the studies weren't formed taking into account the whole picture," says Divin. "We need to be taught the history of racism in health care and how we can break down those barriers."

After White Coats Against Racism was formed, Divin began connecting through social media with similar groups realizing there is power in numbers, and that her current calling was to focus within her own organization - Mercy Medical Group.

Working closely with the chair of Family Medicine, Divin assisted in forming a Health Equity and Inclusion Task Force, something that's never been done before at Mercy Medical Group.

"We're working to diversify not only our employees, but also addressing the needs of our minority patients receiving disproportionate care," says Divin, who has received incredibly positive feedback from colleagues and leadership regarding the task force. "They're having meetings about the task force, evaluating the group to see where they can add more diversity and include more training for our physicians - they've been amazingly responsive."

For physicians wanting to be more involved and understand racial discrepancies within their own hospitals and communities, Divin says the first step is to educate themselves.

"There is so much good literature out there - learn about the history, current data, and the problems so you know they exist," says Divin. "Once you understand the history and facts, you can treat them (minority patients) better."

As for minority communities, you are seen and heard.

"Several of us are fighting and trying to make a change - more than you think," says Divin. "We understand there is a disparity and we are actively working to change that, and we hope those statistics change soon."

Moving forward, Divin hopes to see more education about eliminating healthcare disparities and social determinates of health for current physicians. She hopes to see more data monitoring to ensure interventions taken are working, and she hopes to see more diversity in medicine - more Asians, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and women providing health care.

For now, she protests.

She protests to raise awareness, to bring people together, and to make organizational and legislative changes. She protests for equality, for injustices she sees on a daily basis, and for a better quality of life for minority communities.

"I didn't want that (White Coats against Racism) to be the last step…we need to show that we're doing more to eliminate racism in health care and that we're allies against racism" says Divin. "So we're still trying, and I will until I stop working."

Educational Books for Physicians:

1. "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare" Institute of Medicine
2. "Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" Harriet A. Washington
3. "Just Medicine: A Cure for Racial Inequality in American Health Care" Dayna Bowen Matthew
4. "Seeing Patients: A Surgeon's Story of Race and Medical Bias" Augustus A. White III, MD with David Chanoff

Helpful Tips for Doctor's Visits:

1. Find a primary care doctor that you feel comfortable with and trust.
2. If you have any language barriers, request a formal interpreter - don't rely on a family member or friend.
3. Bring a notepad with questions to ask your doctor and take notes during the appointment, as appointments can be overwhelming.

MBC's New Electronic Portal

By Emmalee Ross, Public Information Officer

In mid-March 2020, COVID-19 shut down the world as we once knew it. During a time when physicians were most needed, business was not so usual at the Medical Board of California (Board). With the Board, schools, programs, and institutions transitioning to remote work models, doctors still needed licensure, renewals needed processing, and vital forms and documents needed mailing within a limited timeframe.

"When COVID-19 hit, it changed the game," says Jaron Schrantz, associate governmental program analyst for the Board. "We started getting reports that institutions no longer had the ability to send us anything, they couldn't get original signatures."

Luckily, the Board had a secret weapon up its sleeve, the Direct Online Certification Submission (DOCS) portal built by the Board's Information Systems Branch.

DOCS is a means for medical schools and postgraduate training programs to electronically upload verification forms, certified transcripts, certified diplomas, and letters of explanation - forms the Board previously required to be mailed.

Although still in the testing phase when COVID-19 began, Board leadership decided to roll out the DOCS portal earlier than planned for all programs and schools to keep processes moving forward.

Prior to DOCS, all documents from institutions and programs went through many channels before being physically mailed to the Board who required original copies - often notarized or with "wet" signatures. DOCS proved to be critical in keeping the Board and its functions moving forward, not only allowing forms to be uploaded and the use of electric signatures, but also provided a germ-free environment to get documents in the hands of Board analysts for processing. This proved especially important when so little was known about the spread of coronavirus, and the safety of handling documents from a COVID-19 positive person was unknown.

"In a world where there are safety concerns, even with sending physical documents, this is making us that much safer," says Schrantz, referring to a COVID-19 positive physician who contacted the Board and told staff he was worried about mailing an application.

While DOCS makes life easier when remote school and work are becoming the norm, it also cuts out a huge portion of the traditional, hard copy approach with multiple parties handling, signing, or notarizing a form before mailing it to the Board. DOCS requires only one signature of a program director or dean to approve a specified user who can upload as many documents as needed without the use of notaries, multiple signatures, and mailing costs.

"The fact that we can have them submit without a seal or notary at all, and also use a digital or electronic signature - that's big," says Schrantz. "The DOCS portal has allowed us to provide another means to receive documentation where there might not have been a way to get the documents to the Board otherwise."

According to Schrantz, who works one-on-one to register every user in the system, feedback on the DOCS portal has been overwhelmingly positive.

Janet Prata, a credentialing coordinator for The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, says she was impressed with how rapidly the portal was put into place.

"I find the CA Medical Board's DOCS uploading system to be working very well, and I am very impressed," says Prata who has used DOCS since late March. "I find it easy to use and very efficient - especially during this time of increased remote worksites when it can be difficult to mail documents. The secure and private portal the Board created accommodates changing needs during changing times."

While Schrantz believes the DOCS portal is a sign of the times and a product of the Board thinking creatively, both Board staff and external stakeholders are excited with the progress thus far, knowing there's room to grow as all users become more comfortable with the system.

As of September 2020, 74 medical schools, 1,018 programs, and 112 program facilities were registered with DOCS, totaling over 450 users. Schrantz says this is only the tip of the iceberg as far as the future of the system.

"Eventually, institutions won't be mailing in forms, they'll be sending them in through DOCS, and receiving immediate confirmation of receipt," says Schrantz. "This process will reduce the likelihood of human error and documents getting lost."

As DOCS continues to grow and adapt to user needs, the Board highly encourages all schools and programs to register for the portal, as it has become imperative in licensing physicians and surgeons as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Board is committed to seeing DOCS become the standard pathway through which licensing is completed.

To learn more or request a registration form, please reach out to us at docs@mbc.ca.gov.

Steven M. Thompson Loan Repayment Program Recipient: Dr. Josue Fong Balart

By Emmalee Ross, Public Information Officer

When Dr. Josue Fong Balart was a child living in Cuba, his best friend Santiago died from leukemia.

"I didn't understand what was going on, I didn't see him at school anymore and that broke my heart," says Fong Balart, now a board certified family medicine practitioner in Bakersfield. "I said to myself, ‘I want to go into the type of field to save people, I don't want people to die.'"

To Fong Balart, becoming a physician was a calling he felt since childhood. Santiago's death motivated him through years of medical school and residency, kept him traveling from country to country, and is part of the reason Fong Balart approaches medicine with kindness and compassion.

Born and raised in Cuba, Fong Balart attended medical school at the Superior Institute of Medical Science of Santiago de Cuba, and completed his residency between Honduras, Cuba, and Venezuela - specializing in ophthalmology while working in rural clinics and performing surgeries.

However, in 2009, political unrest forced Fong Balart and his wife to leave Venezuela and move to America, a country they had never visited with a language they did not know.

"That was a very shocking situation for us," said Fong Balart who attended the International Medical Graduate Program at the University of California, Los Angeles. "I spent three years trying to learn the language. Thank God UCLA saw my potential, they said, ‘You know what, your English is not great, but you will learn here.'"

With Fong Balart's entire family in Cuba, he and his wife moved in with his wife's relatives in Los Angeles who provided them with housing, food, and clothes for five years while Fong Balart and his wife went back to school.

"They gave us the most important support you could ever imagine," says Fong Balart.

After completing medical school in 2014, Fong Balart and his wife moved to Bakersfield so he could attend residency - a second time. This time specializing in family medicine at Clinica Sierra Vista, a hospital whose mission is to assist low-income families where patients can receive high-quality care regardless of race, ethnicity, or immigration status.

It was during residency when Fong Balart treated Juan, a 60-year-old, undocumented, Guatemalan patient who had stomach cancer. Juan spent his entire life picking grapes, but as he grew sick and unable to work - without family in the US to take care of him -Juan would spend the last few months of his life alone in the Kern County hospital.

"I asked him, ‘Juan, do you want to spend the rest of your life in the hospital here, or in Guatemala?'" says Fong Balart. "He said, ‘Doctor, I wish to go back to Guatemala, I want to see my son, I want to die there.' I said, ‘I will do my best Juan, don't worry.'"

Fong Balart contacted the Guatemalan consulate who agreed to assist Juan with traveling to Guatemala, however, Juan needed transportation from Clinica Sierra Vista to the Los Angeles airport. Unfortunately, due to the expense of travel, Clinica Sierra Vista denied Fong Balart's request for hospital transportation, so Fong Balart and a colleague drove Juan to LA themselves.

Juan lived for six months after arriving in Guatemala. His son called Fong Balart every month to update him on Juan's situation before he passed.

"I have a label at my company, they say, ‘Balart always wants to do things his way.' I said, ‘Well yeah, sometimes I have to,'" says Fong Balart with a laugh. "I give everybody a chance to try, if I don't see a result then I have to do it myself."

In 2017, Fong Balart applied for and received the Steven M. Thompson Loan Repayment Program grant - a program created to increase healthcare access in medically underserved areas of California.

"What the program advocates for - providing service to communities in need - that's what I'm doing every day," Fong Balart says. "I needed it (the grant) at the time and thank God I got the support."

While currently assisting his wife set up her private practice for dentistry, Fong Balart dreams of creating his own wellness center in the future - somewhere patients can receive not only medical care, but also mental and social health care.

"If we are only concentrated on the medical aspect, we don't support the social or psychological aspect - which is very aggressive here in America," says Fong Balart, who reviews and dissects patient records with his medical assistant at the close of every workday. "It's the motivation, it's that little seed that if you don't have as a physician, you just don't care."

Recently, Fong Balart treated an 83-year-old El Salvadorian woman for shingles. She had no documentation or papers but was unable to go home due to travel restrictions from COVID-19. Fong Balart did all he could for her with affordable resources. A month later, she returned to see him.

"She was crying, she said ‘Doctor, you saved me. I'm not in pain anymore,'" says Fong Balart. "Those are the results that reinforce your practice."

After a long, exhausting, yet rewarding day at the office, Fong Balart returns home to his wife and three-year-old daughter. He goes for a run, and then spends at least an hour playing with his daughter in their backyard. Every single day.

"Oh my god, she's my soul," says Fong Balart with conviction about his daughter. "She's amazing, very intelligent, and independent. She only speaks Spanish, when I try to speak to her in English, she says, ‘Stop, speak to me in Spanish."

When asked about his downtime and hobbies, Fong Balart has the most truthful answer.

"I love watching TV. I have all the streaming platforms you could ever imagine - I love Friends," he says, adding that he is most similar to the character, Monica. "Competition? Yes, I want to be first always. I'm a very OCD person and I hate disorganization - but I'm funny, too."

While talking to Fong Balart on the phone, he exudes joy and is quick to a laugh. Even throughout all of the unexpected twists and turns of life, the extra years of medical school and residency, leaving his family in Cuba, and learning a new language at the age of 30 - there is a passion in his voice when he talks about his work, his patients, and his family. He says it all revolves around motivation.

"If you want to be a doctor the motivation has to be there, and the motivation is not because you're going to have a good salary or a different social position," says Fong Balart. "You have to feel and have that connection with your patients, you have to have empathy."

SB 159: Pharmacists Furnish PrEP/PEP

By Carlos Villatoro, Public Information Manager

A recently signed bill designed to reduce the number of HIV infections among Californians has empowered licensed pharmacists to furnish a game-changing medicine that prevents infection in HIV-negative individuals and people who are most at risk of exposure.

Senate Bill (SB) 159 (Wiener) allows pharmacists, using appropriate professional judgment, to furnish a 30-day supply, and up to a 60-day supply of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) if specified conditions are met, and the pharmacist determines the patient meets the clinical criteria for PEP/PrEP in accordance with federal guidelines.

Pharmacists seeking to furnish PEP/PrEP are required to complete a training program approved by the California State Board of Pharmacy, in consultation with the Medical Board of California and relevant stakeholders including the California Department of Public Health Office of AIDS.

According to the bill's author, State Senator Scott Wiener: "Currently, PrEP and PEP both require a physician's prescription, which delays or prevents some people from accessing it. Some people are not comfortable going to see a doctor. Others struggle to access a doctor or are confronted with long delays to obtain an appointment."

There are conditions the patient must meet before a pharmacist can furnish PrEP including a negative HIV test, no signs or symptoms of acute HIV infection, and the patient cannot be taking any contraindicated medications. Also, the pharmacist must provide counseling and education to the patient, documentation of services provided, no more than a sixty-day supply of medication, and must be in communication with the patient's primary care physician.

Similarly, in order for a pharmacist to furnish PEP, they must screen the patient and determine exposure, provide HIV testing and counseling, and notify the patient's primary care physician of the treatment.

Under the law, a pharmacist initiating or furnishing PrEP or PEP may not allow the individual who is receiving the medication to waive the pharmacist's consultation pertaining to the drugs.

Aside from permitting pharmacists to furnish PrEP/PEP, the bill specifies that a health care service plan or health insurer must not subject antiretroviral drug treatments that are medically necessary for the prevention of AIDS/HIV, including PrEP or PEP, to prior authorization or step therapy.

For full details, requirements, and additional information on SB 159, please visit the California Legislative Information website.

Medical Assistant's Scope of Practice

By Alexandria Schembra, Public Information Analyst

From checking in patients to taking vitals and medical histories, medical assistants are of extreme help to busy physicians and nurses.

While a medical assistant's scope of practice is very limited, they are allowed to perform non-invasive, technical supportive services. As a physician, if you are wondering what level of assistance your medical assistant can provide during these unprecedented times, read on.

With appropriate training and authorization, medical assistants may perform a variety of non-invasive routine technical services under the supervision of a licensed physician, podiatrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife. The supervisor must be on the premises in order for the service to be performed. These services may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Administering some medications with verification of medication and dosage by supervisor.
• Collect and record patient vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, height and weight.
• Remove sutures or staples from superficial incisions or lacerations.
• Apply and remove bandages and dressings to superficial incisions or lacerations.
• Apply orthopedic appliances such knee immobilizers, envelope slings, or orthotics.
• Remove casts, splints, and other external devices.
• Swab the throat.
• Draw blood for tests.

In order to perform these and other technical procedures, medical assistants must be 18 or older, and obtain a certificate from a training institution or directly from a licensed physician, or other approved licensed medical professional. Be aware, however, that even under supervision, medical assistants may not be employed by a licensed general acute care hospital for inpatient care.

If a medical assistant trains other medical assistants, they must be certified by a Board approved organization. This certification must be placed in the medical assistant's file and retained by the employer. Additionally, their employer must retain a record of all completed training.

On the other hand, there are quite a few procedures medical assistants are not allowed to assist with or perform. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Determine that a test is required.
• Make a diagnosis.
• Interpret results of tests.
• Perform invasive procedures or tests not authorized by statute or regulation.

Ultimately, supervising physicians are responsible to ensure that medical assistants perform appropriate health care services. The laws regulating medical assistants are spread over the Business and Professions Code, the Health and Safety Code, and the California Code of Regulations.

For more information regarding the scope of practice for medical assistants, please visit the Board's Medical Assistants and FAQ pages.

Consumer Corner: Accessing Your Medical Records

By Emmalee Ross, Public Information Officer

Did you know as a medical consumer, you have a legal right to obtain copies of your medical records?

California Health and Safety Code sections 123100 through 123149.5 authorizes patients to receive copies of their medical records in the format requested. After receiving a written request, a physician must provide copies within 15 days.

Please keep in mind that a physician can charge up to 25 cents per page for hard copies, plus a reasonable clerical fee. Also, when requesting diagnostic films like an x-ray, MRI, CT and PET scans, additional costs may be involved to copy the films.

Now let's say you sent a written request to your medical provider and have not heard back within the 15-day timeframe, where do you go from here? This is where the Board can step in to provide assistance.

If the physician does not comply within the legal timeframe, you can file a written complaint with the Board. The Board will take appropriate action, ensuring the physician provides the requested medical records. If needed, this may entail the Board taking disciplinary action against the physician's license, such as a citation and fine or other sanction.

While you do have a legal right as a patient to see or receive a copy of your medical records, you do not own them. The medical records, diagnostic films, and tracings belong to the healthcare office that generated them.

Transferring records between providers is considered a "professional courtesy" and is not covered by law. This means there is nothing to govern fees or time limits surrounding the transfer of medical records between physicians. The best route to ensure your new physician receives a copy of your medical records is to request, in writing, a copy of your records and personally provide them to your new physician.

If you are having trouble requesting medical records after your physician moves, retires, or dies, the Board provides a plethora of information on its website. You have various options, including contacting the Board's Consumer Information Unit at 1-800-633-2322, or visiting your physician's profile page online to obtain the physician's address of record.

For more information on obtaining medical records, please visit the Board's web page, Patient Access to Medical Records.

You Asked for It

By Alexandria Schembra, Public Information Analyst

I never received a renewal notification and my license is set to expire this month. How can I renew my license quickly?

If you have not received your renewal notification, please contact the Board at 916-263-2382 or 800-633-2322 to request a duplicate - the license must still be renewed before the expiration date on the license. Renewing online is the quickest way to renew your license after receiving your duplicate renewal license. If you choose to renew by mail, the renewal must be on the Board's renewal form and include the current renewal fee. Please allow four-to-six weeks for processing.

Please note, there is no grace period; if a license has not been renewed within 30 days following the expiration date, the Licensing Program will notify the physician by certified mail. The date a license expires, the status is changed to "delinquent" if the renewal application and fees due are not received. For more information, please visit the Board's Physicians and Surgeons License Renewal webpage.

When I paid for my license renewal, I noticed two additional fees included. How do I opt out of paying those fees?

A physician may not opt out of the additional mandatory fees. California Business and Professions Code (B&P) section 2436.5 requires licensees to pay a mandatory fee of $25 at the time of renewal of a physician's and surgeon's license to the Physician Loan Repayment Program and B&P section 208 requires licensees to pay a $12 mandatory fee at the time of renewal for the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System / Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (CURES/PDMP).

The Physician Loan Repayment Program encourages recently licensed physicians to practice in underserved locations in California by funding repayment of their medical school loans in exchange for their service in a designated medically underserved area for a minimum of three years. The CURES/PDMP allows pre-registered users, including physicians and other licensed healthcare prescribers, pharmacists, law enforcement, and regulatory boards to access timely patient controlled substance history information. Access to this information assists healthcare professionals in identifying possible prescription drug abuse.

I am a member of the military and heard that I am exempt from paying license fees. Is this true?

Yes and no. A physician who holds a military, retired, voluntary service or disabled status license is exempt from paying the $820 renewal fee. However, every physician is still required to pay the $25 and $12 mandatory fees at time of renewal. If the mandatory fees are not received prior to the expiration date, the license will be placed in a delinquent status and a pocket license will not be issued.

Questions may be sent to Webmaster@mbc.gov.

Administrative Actions: February 1, 2020 - April 30, 2020

Physicians and Surgeons

AGNEW, RICHARD C., M.D. (C 28577), Newport Beach, CA

Admitted to gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. March 4, 2020. View the decision and the order for Agnew, Richard C., M.D. (C 28577) on the Board's website.

AKOPYAN, ASMIK, M.D. (A 67854), Glendale, CA

No admissions but committed dishonest or corrupt acts by failing to disclose required information to the Board regarding a misdemeanor conviction; false representation; and actions or conduct which would have warranted a denial of a physician's or surgeon's license. Physician shall provide 60 hours of community service and complete an ethics course. Public Reprimand. March 4, 2020. View the decision and the order for View the decision and the order for Akopyan, Asmik, M.D. (A 67854) on the Board's website.

ANH, HO DZUNG, M.D. (A 136301), San Francisco, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, providing online medical recommendations by prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of two patients. Physician must complete a prescribing practices course. Public Reprimand. April 22, 2020. View the decision and the order for Anh, Ho Dzung, M.D. (A 136301) on the Board's website.

ANTHONY, VINCENT LUVERN, M.D. (A 96566), Los Angeles, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a medical record keeping course and an ethics course. Public Reprimand. March 26, 2020. View the decision and the order for Anthony, Vincent Luvern, M.D. (A 96566) on the Board's website.

AYODELE, EMMANUEL A. (A 46478), Compton, CA

Failed to comply with multiple terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Revoked. April 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Ayodele, Emmanuel A. (A 46478) on the Board's website.

BARAN, ILONA ANN, M.D. (A 45912), Nipomo, CA

No admissions but committed gross negligence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of two patients, unprofessional conduct and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course. Public Reprimand. February 26, 2020. View the decision and the order for Baran, Ilona Ann, M.D. (A 45912) on the Board's website.

BAYARDO, CARLOS FRANCISCO, M.D. (A 91684), Orosi, CA

No admissions but committed repeated negligent acts and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients. Physician must complete a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. March 27, 2020. View the decision and the order for Bayardo, Carlos Francisco, M.D. (A 91684) on the Board's website.

BEILER, DELBERT LEONDOUS (A 26354), Yuba City, CA

Physician has a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely; and charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, excessively prescribed controlled substances, prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of five patients. Revoked. February 12, 2020. View the decision and the order for Beiler, Delbert Leondous (A 26354) on the Board's website.

BLOSE, DOUGLAS ALAN (G 50355), Huntington Beach, CA

Admitted and charged with repeated negligent acts and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of six patients. Surrender of License. April 29, 2020. View the decision and the order for Blose, Douglas Alan (G 50355) on the Board's website.

BRYAN, THOMAS BENEDICT (A 30069), Merced, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of two patients; failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient; and failed to comply with an Order requiring Respondent to submit to a mental and physical examination. Surrender of License. April 30, 2020. View the decision and the order for Bryan, Thomas Benedict (A 30069) on the Board's website.

CAMPOS, LELYS (A 36358), Sun Valley, CA

Admitted to having a condition affecting her ability to practice medicine safely. Surrender of License. February 27, 2020. View the decision and the order for Campos, Lelys (A 36358) on the Board's website.

CAPEN, DANIEL ALEXANDER (G 32316), Lawndale, CA

No admissions but convicted on two felony counts of conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States and soliciting and receiving illegal remunerations for health care referrals; and charged with committing dishonest or corrupt acts in the care and treatment of multiple patients. Surrender of License. March 16, 2020. View the decision and the order for Capen, Daniel Alexander (G 32316) on the Board's website.

CHANGCHIEN, ERIC, M.D. (A 108490), Irvine, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, dishonest or corrupt acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an education course, medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; and prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Changchien, Eric, M.D. (A 108490) on the Board's website.

CHIU, JOHN CHIH (C 31784), Newbury Park, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, clearly excessive use of diagnostic procedures, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of five patients; and dishonest or corrupt acts that are substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a physician and surgeon. Surrender of License. February 28, 2020. View the decision and the order for Chiu, John Chih (C 31784) on the Board's website.

CLAUS, HANG NGUYEN, M.D. (A 119725), Vacaville, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an education course and medical record keeping course; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses outside of her current employer. March 12, 2020. View the decision and the order for Claus, Hang Nguyen, M.D. (A 119725) on the Board's website.

CRAIG, GEORGE T. (G 8597), Apple Valley,

No admissions but has a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely. Surrender of License. February 19, 2020. View the decision and the order for Craig, George T. (G 8597) on the Board's website.

DARDASHTI, MALIHE, M.D. (A 41092), Beverly Hills, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician shall provide 40 hours of community service; and must complete an education course and a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. March 27, 2020. View the decision and the order for Dardashti, Malihe, M.D. (A 41092) on the Board's website.

DOSUMU-JOHNSON, THOMAS, M.D. (A 34329), Los Angeles, CA

No admissions but charged with being disciplined by Washington for misrepresentation or concealment of material fact in obtaining a license and failed to cooperate with disciplining authority. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an ethics course. February 21, 2020. View the decision and the order for Dosumu-Johnson, Thomas, M.D. (A 34329) on the Board's website.

DRAPER, JENNIFER ELAINE, M.D. (A 96807), Sacramento, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence; repeated negligent acts; furnishing drugs to an addict; and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a prescribing practice course and a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. February 21, 2020. View the decision and the order for Draper, Jennifer Elaine, M.D. (A 96807) on the Board's website.

DRISCOLL, PETER VAIL (A 72379), Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

No admissions but charged with gross negligence in the care and treatment of one patient; repeated negligent acts and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients; and failed to comply with multiple terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. February 7, 2020. View the decision and the order for Driscoll, Peter Vail (A 72379) on the Board's website.

DUMONT, HERVE J. (G 85430), Los Angeles, CA

Convicted of a misdemeanor of willfully resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer in the discharge of duty, and has a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely. Revoked. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Dumont, Herve J. (G 85430) on the Board's website.

DUTTA, SURESH VENKAYYA (A 68146), Helotes, TX

Disciplined by Texas Board for using alcohol in such a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public. Revoked. February 7, 2020. View the decision and the order for Dutta, Suresh Venkayya (A 68146) on the Board's website.

EHLING, DETLEF K. (A 66608), Concord, CA

Failed to comply with the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Revoked. February 27, 2020. View the decision and the order for Ehling, Detlef K. (A 66608) on the Board's website.

EL-KHAL, JAMAAL DAVID, M.D. (A 102035), Willows, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence in the care and treatment of six patients; repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of five patients; prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and excessively prescribed controlled substances to four patients; and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of six patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an education course, prescribing practices course, and a medical record keeping course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; obtaining a practice monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses outside of his current employer. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Jamaal David, M.D. (A 102035) on the Board's website.

EL-NACHEF, MOHAMED WADDAH, M.D. (C 50556), Anaheim, CA

Admitted to gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of six patients; violated statutes regulating dangerous drugs or controlled substances, and self-prescribed drugs in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public. Revoked, stayed, placed on seven years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing a clinical competence assessment program prior to practicing medicine; prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses; prohibited from practicing in a treatment facility; obtaining a practice/billing monitor; maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approval to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course, medical record keeping course, and an ethics course. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for El-Nachef, Mohamed Waddah, M.D. (C 50556) on the Board's website.

GARDNER, JAMES CONRAD, M.D. (G 60562), Greenbrae, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, incompetence, prescribed without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, excessively prescribed controlled substances, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course, and medical record keeping course; obtaining a practice monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 26, 2020. View the decision and the order for James Conrad, M.D. (G 60562) on the Board's website.

GOGNA, RAVI KANT (A 39659), Modesto, CA

No admissions but charged with failing to comply with multiple terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. February 5, 2020. View the decision and the order for Gogna, Ravi Kant (A 39659) on the Board's website.

GOLDSTEIN, NEIL KENNETH, M.D. (G 84575), Newport Coast, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Goldstein, Neil Kenneth, M.D. (G 84575) on the Board's website.

GORDON, ERIC DAVID, M.D. (G 82342), San Rafael, CA

Committed acts of excessively prescribing controlled substances to one patient, repeated negligent acts, prescribed without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of multiple patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, prohibited from ordering, prescribing dispensing, administering, or possessing any Schedule II controlled substances and from issuing an oral or written recommendation or approval to possess or cultivate marijuana; maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; obtaining a practice/billing monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants. February 28, 2020. View the decision and the order for Gordon, Eric David, M.D. (G 82342) on the Board's website.

GREAUX, ROBERT EDMUND (A 123280), Cameron Park, CA

Admitted failing to comply with multiple terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. April 8, 2020. View the decision and the order for Greaux, Robert Edmund (A 123280) on the Board's website.

GWYNN, DAVID ROBERT, M.D. (G 86237), Mission Viejo, CA

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for discipline taken by Wisconsin for failure to comply with CME requirements. April 14, 2020. View the decision and the order for Gwynn, David Robert, M.D. (G 86237) on the Board's website.

HEINER, RICHARD ALAN, M.D. (C 51617), Salinas, CA

No admissions but convicted of one felony count of corporal injury to cohabitant and one felony count of great bodily injury enhancement. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, abstaining from the use of controlled substances and alcohol; completing an ethics course; submitting to a psychiatric evaluation prior to practicing medicine; attending psychotherapy; submitting to a medical evaluation and obtaining medical treatment prior to practicing medicine; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; notification to patients of probation status; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 27, 2020. View the decision and the order for Heiner, Richard Alan, M.D. (C 51617) on the Board's website.

HENDERSON, MARK GLEN (A 48248), Las Vegas, NV

No admissions but has a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely. Surrender of License. March 16, 2020. View the decision and the order for Henderson, Mark Glen (A 48248) on the Board's website.

HIGGINS, STEVEN LLOYD (G 53772), La Jolla, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of one patient. Surrender of License. April 28, 2020. View the decision and the order for Higgins, Steven Lloyd (G 53772) on the Board's website.

HOCKENBURY, STEPHEN ALDEN (A 65864), Newport Beach, CA

Admitted to having a condition affecting his ability to practice medicine safely; charged with repeated negligent acts and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient; and failed to comply with the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. March 4, 2020. View the decision and the order for Hockenbury, Stephen Alden (A 65864) on the Board's website.

HOPKINS, WILLIAM C., M.D. (A 24984), Campbell, CA

No admissions but charged with excessively prescribing drugs or treatments, gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of five patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an education course, prescribing practices course, and medical record keeping course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Hopkins, William C., M.D. (A 24984) on the Board's website.

HOPPER, JENNIFER LOUISE (A 72295), Sacramento, CA

Failed to comply with multiple terms and conditions of her Board-ordered probation. Revoked. March 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Hopper, Jennifer Louise (A 72295) on the Board's website.

HUMPHREY, JONATHAN BENTON CANTWELL, M.D. (G 66292), Danville, CA

Committed acts of gross negligence, incompetence, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course, medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; obtaining a practice monitor; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; and notification to patients of probation status. February 20, 2020. View the decision and the order for Humphrey, Jonathan Benton Cantwell, M.D. (G 66292) on the Board's website.

HWANG, ANDREW, M.D. (A 80397), Campbell, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts and prescribed without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication in the care and treatment of three patients. Physician must complete an education course, a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course. Public Reprimand. April 24, 2020. View the decision and the order for Hwang, Andrew, M.D. (A 80397) on the Board's website.

KINGSBURY, A. GRANT, M.D. (A 64822), San Diego, CA

Committed acts of gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, repeated acts of excessive prescribing, incompetence, prescribed without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on thirty-five months' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course, medical record keeping course, and a professional boundaries program; obtaining a practice monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 20, 2020. View the decision and the order for Kingsbury, A. Grant, M.D. (A 64822) on the Board's website.

KOULI, WAEL, M.D. (C 55343), Coronado, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete an education course. Public Reprimand. April 24, 2020. View the decision and the order for Kouli, Wael, M.D. (C 55343) on the Board's website.

KUMRA, RAJIV, M.D. (C 50114), Walnut, CA

Disciplined by Canada for engaging in unprofessional conduct by improperly billing for services not rendered, directed patients to undergo diagnostic imaging without a medical indication and directed them to facilities where he had a financial interest, failed to co-operate with the investigation, and failed to maintain records. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an ethics course; submitting to a psychiatric evaluation; obtaining a practice and billing monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. April 3, 2020. View the decision and the order for Kumra, Rajiv, M.D. (C 50114) on the Board's website.

LAFLAMME, MARK R., M.D. (C 54887), Tampa, FL

No admissions but charged with being disciplined by Florida for being found guilty of domestic violence battery and for failing to report the conviction to the Board. Physician must complete an ethics course. Public Reprimand. March 5, 2020. View the decision and the order for Laflamme, Mark R., M.D. (C 54887) on the Board's website.

LEE, CHANG JOON, M.D. (A 36129), Bell, CA

Public Letter of Reprimand issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 2233 for gross negligence in the care and treatment of one patient. April 24, 2020. View the decision and the order for Lee, Chang Joon, M.D. (A 36129) on the Board's website.

LEE, HOBART HONG, M.D. (A 112663), Redlands, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete an education course, a prescribing practices course, and a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. February 14, 2020. View the decision and the order for Lee, Hobart Hong, M.D. (A 112663) on the Board's website.

LEE, KWOK CHEUNG (C 39650), Clinton, MD

Disciplined by Maryland State Board for unprofessional conduct, willfully making a false representation on his license renewal application that he had completed required continuing medical education (CME) credits, and failed to obtain the CME credits required for license renewal. Revoked. February 7, 2020. View the decision and the order for Lee, Kwok Cheung (C 39650) on the Board's website.

LEE, RODNEY JOHN (C 153991), Benson, MN

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. April 21, 2020. View the decision and the order for Lee, Rodney John (C 153991) on the Board's website.

LEE, SUSAN YOOMIE, M.D. (A 117131), Rancho Cucamonga, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, incompetence, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete an education course and a medical record keeping course; and a clinical competence assessment program. Public Reprimand. March 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Lee, Susan Yoomie, M.D. (A 117131) on the Board's website.

LOWRY, ROBERT CHARLES, M.D. (G 87326), Boerne, TX

No admissions but charged with being disciplined by Texas for unprofessional conduct. Physician must complete a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. February 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Lowry, Robert Charles, M.D. (G 87326) on the Board's website.

MADIKIANS, ANDRANIK, M.D. (A 56383), Los Angeles, CA

Convicted of one count driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more and using alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public. Public Reprimand. February 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Madikians, Andranik, M.D. (A 56383) on the Board's website.

MANZANERA, EDGAR ESTUARDO (A 127017), San Luis Rey, CA

Charged with sexual misconduct and sexual exploitation in the care and treatment of five patients and convicted of one felony count of sexual exploitation of two or more patients. Revoked. February 27, 2020. View the decision and the order for Manzanera, Edgar Estuardo (A 127017) on the Board's website.

MATTHEW, BINOJ JOSEPH (A 138022), Fresno, CA

Admitted to sexual exploitation, sexual misconduct, gross negligence, conduct that would warrant denial of a license, and dishonest or corrupt acts in the care and treatment of one patient. Surrender of License. February 4, 2020. View the decision and the order for Matthew, Binoj Joseph (A 138022) on the Board's website.

MATUK, AILEEN RUTH (A 24584), Bakersfield, CA

Admitted to having a condition affecting her ability to practice medicine safely. Surrender of License. April 27, 2020. View the decision and the order for Matuk, Aileen Ruth (A 24584) on the Board's website.

MAUER, RICHARD CURTIS, M.D. (C 168240), Cedar Falls, IA

No admissions but committed dishonest or corrupt acts by failing to disclose required information to the Board. Physician must complete an ethics course. Public Reprimand. March 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Mauer, Richard Curtis, M.D. (C 168240) on the Board's website.

MULLIGAN, TIMOTHY ROGERS, M.D. (G 85038), Daly City, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence and repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, surrendering of DEA permit prior to practicing medicine (condition met); maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course, and a medical record keeping course; obtaining a practice monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. February 21, 2020. View the decision and the order for Mulligan, Timothy Rogers, M.D. (G 85038) on the Board's website.

NEIFELD, GRANT BARRIE, M.D. (A 49419), San Diego, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete an education course and a prescribing practices course. Public Reprimand. February 27, 2020. View the decision and the order for Neifeld, Grant Barrie, M.D. (A 49419) on the Board's website.

NELSON, ROBERT HOWARD, M.D. (A 89950), Carmichael, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course, ethics course, and a medical record keeping course; obtaining a practice monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 20, 2020. View the decision and the order for Nelson, Robert Howard, M.D. (A 89950) on the Board's website.

NWOKE, FRANKLIN, M.D. (A 136072), Oroville, CA

No admissions but charged with being disciplined by Maryland for misrepresentation or concealment of material fact in obtaining a license and failed to cooperate with disciplining authority. Physician must complete an ethics course. Public Reprimand. March 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Nwoke, Franklin, M.D. (A 136072) on the Board's website.

OMI, KAZUO QUAN, M.D. (A 168135), Riverside, CA

No admissions but charged with committing an act of dishonesty for failing to disclose that he was placed under investigation during training on his application for license and has a condition impacting his ability to practice medicine safely. Probationary license issued, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, during the first two years of probation, applicant is prohibited from practicing medicine outside an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited postgraduate training program and must successfully complete 24 months of ACGME accredited postgraduate training in the same training; completing a professional enhancement program; attending psychotherapy; completing an ethics course; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Omi, Kazuo Guan, M.D. (A 168135) on the Board's website.

ORGAN, GREGORY MICHAEL (G 81845), Oakland, CA

Failed to comply with multiple terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Revoked. April 21, 2020. View the decision and the order for Organ, Gregory Michael (G 81845) on the Board's website.

PARHAR, NARINDER SINGH (C 43320), Roseville, CA

Convicted and required to register as a sex offender. Revoked. March 4, 2020. View the decision and the order for Parhar, Narinder Singh (C 43320) on the Board's website.

PARSONS, JOHN EDWIN, JR. (G 78940), El Centro, CA

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. April 20, 2020. View the decision and the order for Parsons, John Edwin, Jr. (G 78940) on the Board's website.

PATEL, JITENDRA CHUNIBHAI, M.D. (A 40675), Brookings, OR

Disciplined by Oregon for prescribing in a manner that breached the standard of care and subjected his patients to the risk of harm. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an education course, prescribing practices course, medical recording keeping course, and physician-patient communication course; obtaining a practice monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. April 17, 2020. View the decision and the order for Patel, Jitendra Chunibhai, M.D. (A 40675) on the Board's website.

PATEL, PRAKASHCHANDRA CHHOTABHAI, M.D. (A 32995), Hemet, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of three patients. Public Reprimand. February 21, 2020. View the decision and the order for Patel, Prakashchandra Chhotabhai, M.D. (A 32995) on the Board's website.

PATEL, SONA C. (A 88229), Los Angeles, CA

Failed to comply with multiple terms and conditions of her Board-ordered probation. Revoked. April 24, 2020. View the decision and the order for Patel, Sona C. (A 88229) on the Board's website.

PATEL, VIKAS HASMUKHLAL, M.D. (A 168687), Menifee, CA

No admissions but physician disclosed that he participated in a substance abuse recovery program and was treated for an addictive disorder that may impair his ability to practice medicine safely. Probationary license issued, placed on five years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing a clinical competence assessment program prior to practicing medicine; notification to patients of probation status; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; abstaining from the use of controlled substances and alcohol; attending psychotherapy; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; completing an ethics course; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. April 30, 2020. View the decision and the order for Patel, Vikas Hasmukhlal, M.D. (A 168687) on the Board's website.

PETROVICH, LINDA MICHELLE, M.D. (C 52590), Eden Prairie, MN

Disciplined by Kentucky for unprofessional conduct in the care and treatment of one patient. Public Reprimand. February 28, 2020. View the decision and the order for Petrovich, Linda Michelle, M.D. (C 52590) on the Board's website.

POPOWICH, YALE SANDS, M.D. (A 75658), Portland, OR

Admits to being disciplined by Oregon for sexual misconduct with a patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on seven years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an ethics course; completing a professional boundaries program; attending psychotherapy; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; required to have a third party chaperone present while consulting, examining, or treating female patients; notification to patients of probation status; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. February 21, 2020. View the decision and the order for Popowich, Yale Sands, M.D. (A 75658) on the Board's website.

POPPER, RONALD ALAN, M.D. (A 35734), Thousand Oaks, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a prescribing practices course. Public Reprimand. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Popper, Ronald Alan, M.D. (A 35734) on the Board's website.

POULOSE, JACOB, M.D. (A 113557), Northridge, CA

Admitted to using alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public and was convicted of one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, a misdemeanor. Revoked, stayed, placed on four years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing a clinical diagnostic evaluation prior to practicing medicine; abstaining from the use of controlled substances and alcohol; completing an ethics course; attending psychotherapy; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. April 10, 2020. View the decision and the order for Poulose, Jacob, M.D. (A 113557) on the Board's website.

QIAN, JOHN XIAO-JIANG, M.D. (A 72430), Rancho Sante Fe, CA

Committed acts of gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of five patients; and for a public communication containing false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive statement, claim or image. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an education course, prescribing practices course, and medical record keeping course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; obtaining a practice monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. February 10, 2020. View the decision and the order for Qian, John Xiao-Jiang, M.D. (A 72430) on the Board's website.

RANKIN, MELISSA K. (A 68982), Sausalito, CA

No admissions but convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol on two occasions; used alcohol in such a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to herself, another person, or to the public. Surrender of License. March 17, 2020. View the decision and the order for Rankin, Melissa K. (A 68982) on the Board's website.

REYNOLDS, JAMES BENNETT, M.D. (G 18657), Daly City, CA

Admitted to gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, prohibited from ordering, prescribing, dispensing, administering, furnishing, or possessing any controlled substances and from issuing an oral or written recommendation or approval to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course, and a medical record keeping course; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. February 5, 2020. View the decision and the order for Reynolds, James Bennett, M.D. (G 18657) on the Board's website.

RICHMOND, RONALD DAVID, M.D. (G 74763), Mission Viejo, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of his family members. Physician must complete a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course. Public Reprimand. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Richmond, Ronald David, M.D. (G 74763) on the Board's website.

RIFFEL, SERGIO ROBERTO, M.D. (A 41494), Brownsville, CA

No admissions but was charged with repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of two patients and unprofessional conduct of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an education course and an ethics course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; obtaining a practice monitor; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. February 5, 2020. View the decision and the order for Riffel, Sergio Roberto, M.D. (A 41494) on the Board's website.

ROBINSON, KEITH JAMAL (A 83200), Oakland Park, FL

Admitted to and was convicted of one count of driving with blood alcohol content of .08% or more; used alcohol in such a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public; and failed to report conviction to the Board. Surrender of License. February 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Robinson, Keith Jamal (A 83200) on the Board's website.

ROCHA, MARTIN LOUIS, M.D. (A 54355), Cedar Glen, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of four patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on thirty-five months' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing a prescribing practices course and a medical record keeping course; obtaining a practice monitor; prohibited from performing any surgical procedures; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. February 21, 2020. View the decision and the order for Rocha, Martin Louis, M.D. (A 54355) on the Board's website.

ROGERS, NICHOLAS ANDREW, M.D. (A 112189), Los Angeles, CA

No admissions but charged with aiding and abetting unlicensed practice of medicine; and repeated negligent acts and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete an education course and a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. April 15, 2020. View the decision and the order for Rogers, Nicholas Andrew, M.D. (A 112189) on the Board's website.

SACKSCHEWSKY, PAUL JONATHAN, M.D. (G 79026), Lodi, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence and repeated negligent in the care and treatment of two patients; and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients. Physician must complete a prescribing practices course, a medical record keeping course, and an ethics course; and a clinical competence assessment program. Public Reprimand. April 15, 2020. View the decision and the order for Sackschewsky, Paul Jonathan, M.D. (G 79026) on the Board's website.

SANDHU, GARY GURSHARAN, M.D. (A 93748), Pomona, CA

Admitted to practicing under the influence of alcohol, use of alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public, and convicted of one count of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of driving with blood alcohol content of .08% or more. Revoked, stayed, placed on four years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, abstaining from the use of controlled substances and alcohol; submitting to a psychiatric evaluation; attending psychotherapy; notification of employer; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; notification to patients of probation status; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Sandhu, Gary Gursharan, M.D. (A 93748) on the Board's website.

SANTILLANES, MICHAEL MARIO (A 77181), Newport Beach, CA

Committed gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of multiple patients; failed to participate in an interview with the Board on two occasions; and falsely advertised that he was board certified by the ASPS. Revoked. March 23, 2020. View the decision and the order for Santillanes, Michael Mario (A 77181) on the Board's website.

SCHAFLE, MICHAEL F., M.D. (C 42249), Fortuna, CA

Admitted to gross negligence and incompetence in the care and treatment of seven patients; repeated negligent acts in the care and treatment of five patients; and prescribed without an appropriate prior medical examination and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course, and ethics course; completing a clinical competence assessment program; obtaining a practice monitor; and prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine. March 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Schafle, Michael F., M.D. (C 42249) on the Board's website.

SCHEIER, MARK, M.D. (A 36345), La Palma, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, prescribed without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, excessively prescribing, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of three patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, prohibited from ordering, prescribing, dispensing, administering, furnishing, or possessing any controlled substances listed in Schedules II and III and from issuing an oral or written recommendation to possess or cultivate marijuana until successful completion of the clinical competence assessment program, except for a hospice, skilled nursing facility, or inpatient hospital; maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course and a medical record keeping course; obtaining a practice monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 20, 2020. View the decision and the order for Scheier, Mark, M.D. (A 36345) on the Board's website.

SEREBRIN, JONATHON HARRY, M.D. (G 36895), Torrance, CA

No admissions but charged with repeated negligent acts, prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a prescribing practices course and a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. April 10, 2020. View the decision and the order for Serebrin, Jonathon Harry, M.D. (G 36895) on the Board's website.

SHARMA, SANJEEV, M.D. (A 75773), Oceanside, CA

Admitted to gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, prescribing without an appropriate prior medical examination or indication, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of five patients; incompetence in the care and treatment of two patients; and excessively prescribed controlled substances to four patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on four years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, surrendering of DEA permit prior to practicing medicine; prohibited from ordering, prescribing, dispensing, administering, furnishing, or possessing controlled substances listed in Schedules I through III and from issuing an oral or written recommendation or approval to possess or cultivate marijuana; maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing an education course, prescribing practices course, ethics course, and a medical record keeping course; obtaining a practice monitor; prohibited from practicing, performing, or treating any patients in the area of pain management; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 5, 2020. View the decision and the order for Sharma, Sanjeev, M.D. (A 75773) on the Board's website.

STRYDOM, RICHEL YOLANDI, M.D. (A 127315), Hesperia, CA

Admitted to having a condition affecting her ability to practice medicine safely. Revoked, stayed, placed on five years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing a clinical diagnostic evaluation prior to practicing medicine (condition met); abstaining from the use of alcohol and controlled substances; completing an ethics course; attending psychotherapy; submitting to a medical evaluation and obtaining medical treatment; submitting to biological fluid testing; attending substance abuse support group meetings; obtaining a worksite monitor; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. February 13, 2020. View the decision and the order for Strydom, Richel Yolandi, M.D. (A 127315) on the Board's website.

TIERNEY, KAREN MARIE, M.D. (G 42421), Monterey, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of five patients. Revoked, stayed, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, maintaining a record of all controlled substances ordered, prescribed, dispensed, administered, or possessed and any recommendations or approvals to possess or cultivate marijuana; completing a prescribing practices course and a medical record keeping course; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 4, 2020. View the decision and the order for Tierney, Karen Marie, M.D. (G 42421) on the Board's website.

TUTELA, ROCCO ROBERT, JR., M.D. (C 168048), East Brunswick, NJ

Committed acts of dishonesty by failing to disclose required information to the Board regarding having his staff privileges, for his New York license, had been limited for six months on his application for licensure. Probationary license issued, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing an ethics course and prohibited from supervising physician assistants. February 28, 2020. View the decision and the order for Tutela, Rocco Robert, Jr., M.D. (C 168048) on the Board's website.

USLANDER, ROBERT L., M.D. (G 83484), Del Mar, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a medical record keeping course. Public Reprimand. April 10, 2020. View the decision and the order for Uslander, Robert L., M.D. (G 83484) on the Board's website.

WEI, PETER TZUHSIANG (A 166910), Syracuse, NY

Unable to satisfy the terms and conditions of his Board-ordered probation. Surrender of License. February 20, 2020. View the decision and the order for Wei, Peter Tzuhsiang (A 166910) on the Board's website.

WILSON, TAYLOR ANNE, M.D. (A 168310), Redlands, CA

No admissions but charged incompetence and dishonest or corrupt acts by failing to disclose required information to the Board that there were issues during her training programs regarding patient care and professionalism on the application for licensure. Probationary license issued, placed on three years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, enroll in a one year residency or clinical fellowship accredited by the American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME); shall not practice medicine outside of the ACGME program until successful completion of the program; completing a professional enhancement program; completing an ethics course, and communication course; prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. March 20, 2020. View the decision and the order for Wilson, Taylor Anne, M.D. (A 168310) on the Board's website.

WOLFSTEIN, RALPH S. (C 21310), Culver City, CA

Charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Revoked. April 9, 2020. View the decision and the order for Wolfstein, Ralph S. (C 21310) on the Board's website.

YOKOYAMA, DON SHIGEO, M.D. (G 52988), Sacramento, CA

No admissions but charged with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and failed to maintain adequate and accurate medical records in the care and treatment of one patient. Physician must complete a clinical competence assessment program. Public Reprimand. March 6, 2020. View the decision and the order for Yokoyama, Don Shigeo, M.D. (G 52988) on the Board's website.

YOUNG, GARY PAUL, M.D. (G 42386), Napa, CA

Admitted to using alcohol in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, another person, or to the public, and convicted of one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol. Revoked, stayed, placed on four years' probation with terms and conditions including, but not limited to, completing a clinical diagnostic evaluation prior to practicing medicine; abstaining from the use of controlled substances and alcohol; providing 100 hours of community service; completing an ethics course; attending psychotherapy; submitting to a medical evaluation and obtaining medical treatment; submitting to biological fluid testing; obtaining a worksite monitor; and prohibited from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. February 28, 2020. View the decision and the order for Young, Gary Paul, M.D. (G 42386) on the Board's website.