MEDICAL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

The Medical Board of California, formerly known as the Board of Medical Quality Assurance, licenses physicians and other medical professionals. The board also investigates medical complaints and issues disciplinary actions. The most serious penalties include license revocation, suspension and probation.

These are the Los Angeles County medical professionals subject to serious disciplinary actions, according to medical board documents. Actions taken are published three times a year; this list covers the period between Aug. 1 and Nov. 30, 1989: DOCTORS: Dante L. Haw, M.D., North Hollywood. Self-use of Demerol. License revoked. Effective 10/13/89. Joseph Marmet, M.D., Beverly Hills. Conviction for filing false Medi-Cal claims in 1987. Failed to comply with several requirements of prior probation under extenuating circumstances. Revocation of license stayed, placed on probation for five years. Effective 11/2/89. Frank Mosler, M.D., Van Nuys. Gross negligence in administering chelation therapy and DMSO by injection for treatment of atherosclerosis and a gangrenous foot. Repeatedly authorized unlicensed individuals to administer intravenous chelation therapy. Revocation of license stayed, placed on probation for three years. Effective 9/5/89. Geoffrey Louis Phelan, M.D., North Hollywood. Gross negligence and incompetence in doing home delivery, lack of usual obstetrical procedures and after-care. License suspended for one year but suspension was stayed; placed on probation, effective 9/1/87, and could not practice obstetrics for two years. Lawrence M. Weiswasser, M.D., Los Angeles. Conviction for murdering his ex-wife with a handgun; sentenced to serve 25 years to life in state prison. License revoked. Effective 8/11/89. ACUPUNCTURIST: Michael DiRosario, Santa Monica. Gross negligence in representing to patient that sex with him, using marijuana, in addition to acupuncture treatment, would alleviate her health problems. Sex with patient. License suspended for 90 days but suspension was stayed,placed on probation for 180 days. Effective 11/13/89. PHYSICAL THERAPIST: Redentor Ricafrente, Los Angeles. Involved in an auto accident insurance fraud ring of professionals providing phony billings, reports and claims. Conviction for criminal conspiracy. Sentence included jail time. Revocation of license stayed, license suspended for six months, placed on probation for five years. Effective 8/28/89. PODIATRIST: Frank J. Garofalo, Canoga Park. Assisted another podiatrist in violating podiatry laws by serving as his assistant surgeon in unnecessary surguries, providing second opinion consultations and supplying blank second opinion consultation forms bearing respondent’s signature stamp, which were misused by the other podiatrist in his scheme to defraud insurance carriers. Revocation of license stayed, placed on probation for three years. Effective 11/24/89. RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS: William B. Johnson, Los Angeles. Conviction for sexual battery causing injuries. License revoked. Effective 10/9/89. William J. Pennix, Los Angeles. Procured license through false application concealing a conviction. License revoked. Effective 8/25/89. Chris Savedra, Altadena. Procured license through false application concealing a conviction. Revocation of license stayed, placed on probation for four years. Effective 10/21/89. Patrick A. Singleton, La Puente. Procured license through false application concealing convictions. Revocation of license stayed, placed on probation for one year. Effective 11/3/89. Source: Medical Board of California, Sacramento.