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News Release — June 24, 2005
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
June 24, 2005
Medical Board of California
Revokes License of Oroville Physician
SACRAMENTO—The Medical Board of California has revoked the license of Robert I. Kerwood, M.D. of Oroville. The decision became effective on June 23, 2005.
Kerwood is accused of violating Business and Professions Code sections 2242 (prescribing without a good faith examination/medical indication), 2238 (violating drug statutes), and 2234(e) (unprofessional conduct, dishonesty).
As a result of a Petition filed on February 17, 2005 by Supervising Deputy Attorney General Gail Heppell, on behalf of the Medical Board of California, on February 18, 2005 a full interim suspension order was issued by Administrative Law Judge Jaime Roman against Kerwood's license. The suspension order was based on a finding that permitting Kerwood to continue to engage in the practice of medicine would endanger the public's health, safety, and welfare. The order was immediately effective and barred Kerwood from writing prescriptions or practicing medicine while in effect.
The Medical Board of California and the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) conducted a joint investigation into Kerwood's alleged illegal practices. Kerwood is accused of illegally selling prescriptions for narcotics and other controlled substances without any medical examination. After a three-month undercover investigation confirmed that Kerwood was selling prescriptions for any drugs requested, a search warrant was executed on February 2, 2005 by BINTF with assistance from the Medical Board.
On March 17, 2005, an Accusation was filed and served on Kerwood, and when Kerwood failed to timely file a Notice of Defense, he automatically waived his right to a hearing on the merits of the Accusation, and his license was revoked by default.
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The mission of the Medical Board is to protect healthcare consumers through the proper licensing and regulation of physicians and surgeons and certain allied healthcare professions and through the vigorous, objective enforcement of the Medical Practice Act.
If you have a question or complaint about the healthcare you are receiving, the board encourages you to visit its Web site at www.caldocinfo.ca.gov or for questions call the Consumer Information Line at (916) 263-2382, or with complaints call (800) 633-2322.
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