California Professional License Defense Blog

Dr. Andrew Rutland, of Anaheim won a temporary victory from the California Medical Board when an administrative law judge allowed him to keep practicing, however, he is not allowed to perform surgeries.

Judge James Ahler wrote in his opinion that Dr. Rutland does pose a “risk of danger” but felt the risk was specific to Dr. Rutland performing surgery and deliveries. Ahler stated that there have been no complaints or alleged misconduct unrelated to surgeries and deliveries.

Dr. Rutland surrendered his medical license in 2002 after a lengthy investigation where it was found that Rutland committed several ethical violations, botched surgeries and was responsible for the death of 2 babies.

Dr. Rutland applied and was granted a re-instatement by the California Medical Board only to have him face the possible second loss of a license for the current investigation that relates to the death of a woman who underwent an abortion. In the current medical board investigation, it is alleged that Rutland sedated the victim with anesthesia and that due to his lack of knowledge with the proper dosage, led to the woman’s death. In addition, he is accused of not having the proper medical malpractice insurance and performing surgery in a unlicensed facility.

Dr. Andrew Rutland, an OBGYN from Anaheim faces allegations before the California Medical Board for negligence in a case where a woman died during an abortion.

Rutland, had already lost his California medical license in 2002 after the death of a newborn, allegations he performed unnecessary hysterectomies, lied to patients and has sexual intercourse with a patient in his office.

As a result of these accusations, Rutland agreed to give up his medical license after a two year investigation. However, Dr. Rutland applied to have his license reinstated which was granted by the California Medical Board.

The current investigation which poses a potential loss of Dr. Rutlands medical license stems from an incident where a 30-year-old woman died last year allegedly after Rutland gave her anesthesia without knowing what dosage was safe. In addition, Rutland was found to be practicing in an unlicensed office and performing surgery outside of a hospital without malpractice insurance.

The California Medical Board is seeking to have a Rutlands license suspended until the medical board investigation is compete and an Accusation is filed saying Rutland “imminent danger to public health.”