2023 Final Disciplinary Actions
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This page provides a list of final disciplinary actions taken by the Board within the past five years, organized by the effective date of the action. Each entry includes the licensee's name and location, case number, and a brief summary of the basis for the disciplinary action.
Click on the License Number to view documents related to a specific action against a licensee and to access their full public profile.
Definitions
- Probation: A formal disciplinary action that allows a licensee to continue practicing chiropractic under specific terms and conditions for a defined period of time. Failure to comply with these terms may result in further discipline, including suspension or revocation.
- Public Reproval: A formal reprimand issued by the Board for violations of law or professional standards. It does not restrict the licensee's ability to practice chiropractic but becomes part of their disciplinary record.
- Revocation: A formal and permanent termination of an individual's right to practice chiropractic. Revocation is the most severe form of discipline and is typically imposed for serious or repeated violations. It may also occur by default if a licensee fails to contest an accusation that has been filed against them.
- Surrender: A formal, voluntary action in which a licensee agrees to give up their license as part of a stipulated settlement to resolve a disciplinary case. Once surrendered, the individual can no longer practice chiropractic.
- Suspension: A temporary removal of a licensee's authority to practice chiropractic. During the suspension period, the licensee is prohibited from performing any licensed activities. A suspension may be imposed for a set period of time or until specific conditions are met.
Abbreviations
- 16 CCR: California Code of Regulations, Title 16
- BPC: Business and Professions Code
- Chiro. Act: Chiropractic Initiative Act of California
Enforcement Actions for 2023
NOOR, ARASH – License No. DC 32648
Los Angeles, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1306
Action Type: Probation
Effective December 14, 2023, Noor's chiropractic license number DC 32648 was placed on probation for four years based on allegations that he was convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a licensed chiropractor (participating in patient referral rebates when licensed in the healing arts or as a chiropractor); was convicted of a felony crime involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption; committed acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption; committed acts involving fraud or misrepresentation; and offered, delivered, received, or accepted any rebate, refund, or commission. (Chiro. Act § 10 and 16 CCR § 317(g), (h), (k), (q), and (t)).
HOLMES, BRUCE WILLIAM – License No. DC 15242
Burbank, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1339
Action Type: Public Reproval
Effective November 11, 2023, Holmes' chiropractic license number DC 15242 was publicly reproved based on findings that he failed to have a signed written consent to treatment from a patient as required. (16 CCR § 319.1).
RUIZ, MICHAEL JIMENEZ – License No. DC 27161
Elk Grove, CA
Case No. AC 2022–1376
Action Type: Surrender
Effective October 8, 2023, Ruiz surrendered his chiropractic license number DC 27161 based on allegations that he committed acts of sexual misconduct with a patient; inserted his finger into the rectum of a patient when there was no clinical indication for this conduct as a therapeutic technique and committed other sexual acts upon the body of the patient, a disabled person, when such acts could have endangered the safety and welfare of the patient; did not bill or maintain a record of billing for services, did not accurately bill for services, and/or billed for services not rendered; failed to maintain patient records; failed to ensure accurate billing; failed to inform, obtain, and/or document the informed consent of a patient about the material risks of care prior to rendering care; and violated or attempted to violate the terms of the Chiropractic Act and regulations adopted by the Board. (Chiro. Act § 10, BPC § 726(a), and 16 CCR §§ 316(c), 317(e), (k), (l), (m), and (q), 318(a) and (b), and 319.1).
STRAW, PHILIP ARTHUR – License No. DC 24628
Ladera Ranch, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1276
Action Type: Surrender
Effective September 27, 2023, Straw surrendered his chiropractic license number DC 24628 based on allegations that he and Optimal Health Straw Chiropractic Inc. committed acts of gross negligence and repeated acts of negligence; engaged in conduct that has endangered, or is likely to endanger, public health, welfare, or safety; violated Board regulations regarding patient billings; committed acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, and/or corruption; falsely represented the existence of facts when they misled patients about Medicare benefits and their financial responsibility for their chiropractic services by presenting patients with an Advanced Beneficiary Notice form, a form used solely by Medicare providers, even though they were not enrolled Medicare providers; participated in acts of fraud and/or misrepresentation; and exceeded the scope of practice by practicing surgery and using a drug or medicine when they sold stem cell therapy to their patients and ordered this treatment to be administered to their patients. (16 CCR §§ 302, 316, 317(a), (b), (e), (k), (l), (m), and (q), and 318(b)).
KHAZIRAN, PATRICK – License No. DC 31125
Encino, CA
Case No. AC 2023–2014
Action Type: Surrender
Effective September 3, 2023, Khaziran surrendered his chiropractic license number DC 31125 based on allegations that he was convicted of a crime that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a licensed chiropractor (attempt and conspire to commit any offense); convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or corruption; knowingly presented or caused to be presented false or fraudulent claims for the payment of services that were never rendered; committed acts involving moral turpitude; violated and/or abetted others in committing violations of the Chiropractic Act; participated in acts of fraud or misrepresentation; and engaged in conduct likely to endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the public. (Chiro. Act § 10(b), BPC §§ 490 and 810, and 16 CCR § 317(e), (g), (h), (k), (l), (m), and (q)).
GUENTHER, WILLIAM WALTERS – License No. DC 14616
Granite Bay, CA
Case No. AC 2017–1137
Action Type: Surrender
Effective September 3, 2023, Guenther surrendered his chiropractic license number DC 14616 based on allegations that he was convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a licensed chiropractor (knowingly submitting false and misleading information to an insurer and an insurance claimant); committed acts of insurance fraud; was convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, and/or corruption; committed acts of moral turpitude and dishonesty; and participated in acts of fraud and/or misrepresentation. (Chiro. Act § 10, BPC §§ 490 and 810, and 16 CCR § 317(g), (h), (k), and (q)).
AMIRMOAZZAMI, SAM – License No. DC 28300
Encino, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1324
Action Type: Surrender
Effective July 27, 2023, Amirmoazzami surrendered his chiropractic license number DC 28300 based on allegations that he was convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a chiropractor (insurance fraud and participating in patient referral rebates when licensed in the healing arts or as a chiropractor); was convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, and/or corruption; committed acts of moral turpitude and dishonesty; participated in acts of fraud and/or misrepresentation; and offered or accepted a commission or other consideration as compensation or inducement for referring patients. (Chiro. Act § 10, BPC § 490, and 16 CCR § 317(g), (h), (k), (q), and (t)).
GILLILAND, TROY LEE – License No. DC 17981
Clovis, CA
Case No. AC 2022–1365
Action Type: Probation
Effective July 15, 2023, Gilliland's chiropractic license number DC 17981 was placed on probation for five years based on allegations that he had sexual relations with a patient, client, or customer; his actions were gross negligence and repeated negligent acts; he committed acts of moral turpitude; he failed to record a social security number, a record of past medical history, or any diagnosis for a patient; and he failed to obtain and possess a signed consent to treat form and any record of verbal consent for a patient. (16 CCR §§ 316, 317, 317(a), (b), and (k), 318(a), and 319.1).
POMAHAC, ROBERT ROMAN – License No. DC 28324
Park City, UT
Case No. AC 2022–1375
Action Type: Revocation
Effective July 12, 2023, Pomahac's chiropractic license number DC 28324 was revoked based on allegations that he committed acts of moral turpitude and dishonesty by submitting charges for services that are not supported by the medical record and signing SOAP notes which lack reliability and cannot be attested as accurately representing the patient's condition; committed fraud or misrepresentation; knowingly made or signed documents which falsely represent the existence of a state of facts; demonstrated repeated acts of negligence; administered clearly excessive treatment; engaged in conduct which endangered public health, welfare, or safety; failed to ensure accurate billing; failed to obtain a patient's written informed consent prior to treatment; and failed to maintain complete chiropractic patient records. (Chiro. Act § 10 and 16 CCR §§ 317(b), (d), (e), (k), (l), and (q), 318, and 319.1).
LEE, KYU YONG–JOHN – License No. DC 32296
Torrance, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1358
Action Type: Surrender
Effective June 8, 2023, Lee surrendered his chiropractic license number DC 32296 based on allegations that he engaged in sexual relations with a patient; was grossly negligent with respect to his care of a patient; committed repeated acts of negligence with regard to his care of a patient; endangered the health, welfare, or safety of the public; committed acts of moral turpitude and dishonesty; knowingly made documents relating to the practice of chiropractic which falsely represent the existence or nonexistence of a state of facts; committed acts of fraud or misrepresentation; failed to maintain accountable billings and records; and prepared and presented a false claim for the payment of a loss under a contract of insurance. (Chiro. Act § 10, BPC § 810(a) and (b), and 16 CCR §§ 316(c), 317(a), (b), (e), (k), (l), and (q), and 318(b)).
SEMERDJIEV, IVAN GEORGE – License No. DC 32247
Irvine, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1289
Action Type: Probation
Effective May 28, 2023, Semerdjiev's chiropractic license number DC 32247 was placed on probation for five years based on allegations that he committed crimes substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a licensed chiropractor (conspiracy to commit health care fraud and petty theft); presented any false or fraudulent claim for the payment of a loss under a contract of insurance and/or knowingly prepared, made, or subscribed any writing, with intent to present or use the same, or to allow it to be presented or used in support of any false or fraudulent claim; was convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, physical violence, or corruption; committed acts of moral turpitude and dishonesty; violated the provisions of the Chiropractic Act and/or regulations adopted by the Board; and participated in acts of fraud and/or misrepresentation. (Chiro. Act § 10, BPC § 810, and 16 CCR § 317(g), (h), (k), (m), and (q)).
MOSHREFI, BEHRANG – License No. DC 27824
Riverside, CA
Case No. AC 2022–1366
Action Type: Probation
Effective May 26, 2023, Moshrefi's chiropractic license number DC 27824 was placed on probation for five years based on allegations that he provided chiropractic care and treatment during which he repeatedly departed from the standard of practice; extremely departed from the standard of practice; was incompetent in his treatment of patients; engaged in acts of sexual misconduct; endangered the health, welfare, and safety of the public; failed to document the diagnosis of a patient; committed dishonesty and misrepresentation; made or signed any document with false information; and took lumbar x–rays of a patient that were not medically necessary and clearly excessive. (16 CCR §§ 316(c), 317(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (k), (l), and (q), and 318(a)(3)).
LESTER, GREGERY KEITH – License No. DC 17938
Sebastopol, CA
Case No. AC 2022–1372
Action Type: Surrender
Effective March 31, 2023, Lester surrendered his chiropractic license number DC 17938 based on allegations that he committed an act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption; was convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption; participated in an act of fraud or misrepresentation; and was convicted of a crime which is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a chiropractor (theft from elder or dependent adult). (BPC §§ 490 and 493 and 16 CCR § 317(g), (h), (k), and (q)).
CHOY–UNRUH, TIFFANY WONTING – License No. DC 32337
South Pasadena, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1296
Action Type: Probation
Effective March 11, 2023, Choy–Unruh's chiropractic license number DC 32337 was placed on probation for four years based on allegations that she engaged in unprofessional conduct when she violated 14 regulations adopted by the Board and knowingly prepared, made, and/or subscribed to writings in support of false or fraudulent claims, knowingly made or caused to be made false or fraudulent claims for payments of health care benefits, and knowingly submitted claims for health care benefits not used by or on behalf of the claimant. (Chiro. Act § 10, BPC § 810(a)(2) and (b), and 16 CCR §§ 303, 316(a), 317(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (k), (l), (m), and (q), 318(a) and (b), and 319.1).
MELVIN, GREGORY MARK – License No. DC 11984
La Mesa, CA
Case No. AC 2022–1367
Action Type: Surrender
Effective March 10, 2023, Melvin surrendered his chiropractic license number DC 11984 based on allegations that he exhibited gross negligence by conducting an inadequate evaluation of a patient; endangered the public health, safety, and welfare by improperly providing thermography as a stand–alone diagnostic tool; failed to refer a patient to an appropriate healthcare professional after finding symptoms of a condition (breast cancer) that is not appropriately managed by chiropractic methods and techniques; rendered professional services without providing informed consent; failed to inform a patient about the limitations and/or material risks of thermographic imaging for the detection of breast cancer; advertised thermography in a false and misleading way; exceeded the scope of chiropractic practice when he used thermography to detect breast cancer, which is unreliable when used as the sole method of detecting breast cancer; and unlawfully used the word “doctor” or the prefix “Dr.” without the word “chiropractor” or “D.C.” immediately following his name. (Chiro. Act § 15, BPC § 17500, and 16 CCR §§ 302, 311, 317(a), (e), (p), and (w), 318(a)(7), and 319.1).
MEHRABANI, NEDA – License No. DC 25902
Tarzana, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1295
Action Type: Probation
Effective March 10, 2023, Mehrabani's chiropractic license number DC 25902 was placed on probation for five years based on allegations that she failed to file the proper and current place of address of her principal office as well as each and every sub–office with the Board; failed to display current satellite licenses in any of her satellite office locations and failed to possess satellite office licenses for the same; engaged in repeated acts of negligence; engaged in acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption; knowingly falsified chiropractic records; violated or attempted to violate terms of the Chiropractic Act; engaged in acts of fraud or misrepresentation; failed to adequately maintain records; failed to maintain accountable billings and repay erroneous billings; failed to include or provide to the Board consent for treatment forms for a patient's medical records; engaged in insurance fraud; and failed to ensure the safety and integrity of all electronic media used to store patient records by employing an off–site back–up storage system, an image mechanism that is able to copy signature documents, and a mechanism to ensure that once a record is input, it is unalterable. (BPC § 810, 16 CCR §§ 303, 308(b) and (c), 317(b), (k), (l), (m), and (q), 318(a) and (b), and 319.1, and HSC § 123149).
HUYNH, JACK SANG VAN – License No. DC 29130
Milpitas, CA
Case No. AC 2018–1179
Action Type: Suspension and Probation Extended
Effective March 10, 2023, the probation of Huynh's chiropractic license number DC 29130 was extended for an additional three years, and Huynh was suspended from the practice of chiropractic until he passes an ethics and boundaries examination, based on allegations that he failed to comply with the terms and conditions of his probation.
DYER, MICHAEL ADAM – License No. DC 30829
Los Angeles, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1288
Action Type: Probation
Effective March 10, 2023, Dyer's chiropractic license number DC 30829 was placed on probation for three years based on allegations that he knowingly presented or caused to be presented a false or fraudulent claim for the payment of a loss under a contract of insurance; participated in an act of fraud or misrepresentation; knowingly made or signed a certificate or other document relating to the practice of chiropractic which falsely represented the existence or nonexistence of a state of facts; committed an act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption; failed to make chiropractic patient records available to a Board representative upon presentation of a patient's written consent or a valid legal order; and failed to ensure accurate billing of his chiropractic services and failed to fully and timely reimburse an insurance company and patient for overbilling. (BPC § 810(a) and (b) and 16 CCR §§ 317(k), (l), and (q), and 318(a) and (b)).
LUJAN, VICENTE EDUARDO – License No. DC 34013
Bakersfield, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1357
Action Type: Surrender
Effective March 8, 2023, Lujan surrendered his chiropractic license number DC 34013 based on allegations that he failed to obtain satellite office certificates and notify the Board of his primary practice location; made false statements in his advertising materials; maintained at least five ongoing sexual relationships with patients; committed gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, and incompetent acts; engaged in conduct which has endangered or is likely to endanger the health, welfare, or safety of the public; and failed to maintain patient records, ensure accurate billing of his chiropractic services, maintain prior written consents for treatment as required by the Board's regulations. (Chiro. Act § 10 and 16 CCR §§ 303, 308, 311, 316(c), 317(a), (b), (c), (e), and (m), 318(a) and (b), and 319.1).
ISKANDER, RAIF WADIE – License No. DC 23282
Tustin, CA
Case No. AC 2022–2004
Action Type: Revocation
Effective February 26, 2023, Iskander's chiropractic license number DC 23282 was revoked based on allegations that he was convicted of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and acquire a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge; engaged in conduct that has endangered, or is likely to endanger, the health, welfare, or safety of the public; was convicted of criminal offenses, and committed acts, involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption; violated provisions of law regulating the dispensing or administration of controlled substances; and participated in multiple acts of fraud and misrepresentation. (Chiro. Act § 10 and 16 CCR § 317(e), (g), (h), (j), (k), and (q)).
SERMENO, NATHAN MICHAEL – License No. DC 32635
Whittier, CA
Case No. AC 2022–2006
Action Type: Probation
Effective January 14, 2023, Sermeno's chiropractic license number DC 32635 was placed on probation for five years based on allegations that he was convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a licensed chiropractor (driving while having a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more); used alcoholic beverages to the extent or in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, or to any other person, or to the public; and engaged in conduct that was likely to endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the public. (Chiro. Act § 10(b), BPC § 490, and 16 CCR § 317(e), (f), and (g)).
OKHOWAT, OMID – License No. DC 26462
Los Angeles, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1309
Action Type: Probation
Effective January 14, 2023, Okhowat's chiropractic license number DC 26462 was placed on probation for five years based on allegations that he was convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a chiropractor (participating in patient referral rebates); was convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, and/or corruption; committed acts of moral turpitude and dishonesty; participated in acts of fraud and/or misrepresentation; and offered or accepted a commission or other consideration as compensation or inducement for referring patients. (Chiro. Act § 10, BPC § 490, and 16 CCR § 317(g), (h), (k), (q), and (t)).
STEPHANO, JOSEPH MICHAEL – License No. DC 25387
Vallejo, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1356
Action Type: Probation
Effective January 5, 2023, Stephano's chiropractic license number DC 25387 was placed on probation for five years based on allegations that he was convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a chiropractor (driving with excessive blood alcohol level); used alcoholic beverages to an extent or in a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to himself, and/or to any other person, and/or to the public, and/or to the extent that the use impaired his ability to conduct with safety the practice of chiropractic; and engaged in conduct which endangered or was likely to endanger the health, welfare, or safety of the public. (Chiro. Act § 10 and 16 CCR § 317(e), (f), and (g)).
HSU, AUSTIN DOW–LIN – License No. DC 28092
Alhambra, CA
Case No. AC 2022–2002
Action Type: Revocation
Effective January 4, 2023, Hsu's chiropractic license number DC 28092 was revoked based on allegations that he was convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a chiropractor (wire fraud); was convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, and/or corruption; committed acts of moral turpitude and dishonesty; participated in acts of fraud and/or misrepresentation; and was disciplined by the State of Washington, Department of Health, Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission. (Chiro. Act § 10, BPC § 490, and 16 CCR §§ 304 and 317(g), (h), (k), and (q)).
WEST, DAMON SEAN – License No. DC 25997
Sacramento, CA
Case No. AC 2021–1351
Action Type: Probation
Effective January 1, 2023, West's chiropractic license number DC 25997 was placed on probation for three years based on allegations that he disclosed information about a patient's daughter without consent and without providing the patient a privacy notice compliant with the dictates of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services privacy rule; failed to obtain appropriate informed consent for a patient reflective of the unique risks associated with chiropractic treatment; failed to meet the documentation standards for treatment records; provided an unsubstantiated billing code to a patient for an appointment and recklessly disregarded the rules and regulations governing chiropractic billing; used the fictitious business name “ACME Chiropractic, Inc.” and failed to comply with the laws and regulations of chiropractic corporations; committed acts of moral turpitude and dishonesty; participated in acts of fraud and/or misrepresentation; knowingly made or signed any certificate or other document relating to the practice of chiropractic which falsely represented the existence or nonexistence of a state of facts; and committed repeated negligent acts. (16 CCR §§ 317(b), (k), (l), (q), and (r), 318(a) and (b), 319.1, and 367.5(e)).
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