Doctor Charged in Alleged Use of Uncertified X-ray Technician
The Los Angeles city attorney’s office on Monday filed misdemeanor charges against a private physician who allegedly used an uncertified lab technician to take X-rays of patients’ heads on at least four occasions.
Dr. Jose A. Perez, 59, is charged with four counts of unlawfully directing the usage of diagnostic X-rays on human beings by a person not certified to do so. The student who allegedly performed the X-rays, Pedro Javier Balladares, 34, is charged with four counts of unlawfully using diagnostic X-rays on human beings without being certified. Each misdemeanor count carries a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine or six months in jail or both.
Arraignment is set for June 6.
Kathleen Kaufman, director of radiation management for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, said the suspected violations were discovered during her office’s inspection of the physician’s logbooks.
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