Medical Disciplinary Actions

The Medical Board of California licenses physicians and other medical professionals. It also investigates medical complaints and issues disciplinary actions. The most serious penalties include probation, suspension and license revocation.

These are the Los Angeles County medical professionals subject to serious disciplinary actions between Sept. 1, 1994, and Oct. 31, 1994, according to medical board documents. Final actions are published only after all appeals are exhausted.

DOCTORS

Lowell K. Augustine, Los Angeles: Disciplined by Louisiana Medical Board for professional and medical incompetence and for submitting false insurance claims. Revocation of California license stayed; five years probation. Effective Sept. 5, 1994.

Stanley A. Azen, Sherman Oaks: Conviction for cocaine possession. Used cocaine and furnished it to addicts. Gross negligence in attempting to resuscitate without assistance his girlfriend who overdosed, and in delaying a call to 911 for help and equipment. Revocation of license stayed; six years probation. Effective Oct. 21, 1994.

Santiago Cadag, Los Angeles: Admits that the allegations in the accusation constitute sufficient cause for discipline: gross negligence, unprofessional conduct and acts involving corruption. Revocation of license stayed; five years probation. Effective Sept. 16, 1994.

John K. Chan, Monterey Park: Clearly excessive and unnecessary treatment of a workers’ compensation insurance patient. False and misleading billings. Revocation of license stayed; three years probation. Effective Oct. 21, 1994.

Grady E. Harp, Altadena: Conviction for battery on patient related to sexual misconduct in urology practice. Gross negligence. Revocation of license stayed; seven years probation. Effective Sept. 5, 1994.

Arne Leonard Klepp, Encino: Declined to require the California Medical Board to put on its case proving gross negligence, incompetence and repeated negligence in family medicine; admitted the board can present a prima facie case establishing the allegations in the written charges; waived the right to present a defense. Revocation of license stayed; license suspended for 45 days; five years probation. Effective Oct. 21, 1994.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

Bernard Melendez, Glendora: Revocation of privileges by a Veteran’s Affairs medical center. Recorded aspects of a physical exam that did not take place. Misleading resume. Revocation of license stayed; license suspended 10 days; three years probation. Effective Oct. 17, 1994.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

Carol Ann McArdle, Los Angeles*: Conviction for prostitution. Revocation of license stayed; five years probation. Effective Aug. 25, 1994.

PSYCHOLOGIST

David Leonelli, Redondo Beach*: Failure to disclose drug conviction on application for licensure. License issued with five years probation attached. Effective Aug. 19, 1994.

RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS

Terry Baumgart, San Gabriel: Procured license through fraud by concealing conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. Unprofessional conduct toward a supervisor. Revocation of license stayed; license suspended for 60 days; five years probation. Effective Oct. 5, 1994.

Nello Clarke, Long Beach: Conviction for false statements to increase unemployment benefits. Dishonesty. Revocation of license stayed; five years probation. Effective Oct. 11, 1994.

Veronni Estelle, Long Beach: Violated terms of probation for a disciplinary matter. Revocation of license stayed; five years probation. Effective Sept. 19, 1994.

Gary Richard, Pomona: Conviction for cultivating marijuana in 1984. Conviction for drunk driving in 1991. Conviction for transporting marijuana in 1992. Revocation of license stayed; five years probation. Effective Oct. 21, 1994.

Chris Savedra, Monrovia: Using a controlled substance illegally possessed. Previous discipline. License revoked. Effective Sept. 8, 1994.

* Not reported to the board in time for publication in the previous list of disciplinary actions.

Source: Medical Board of California, Sacramento.