Veterinary Medical Board hears petition to reinstate Dr. Balpal Sandhu after 2021 revocation

The Veterinary Medical Board held a hearing April 17, 2025, before an administrative law judge to consider the petition for reinstatement of veterinarian Balpal S. Sandhu, whose license was revoked in 2021. The Office of Administrative Hearings recorded testimony from Sandhu, his attorney Bonnie Lutz, a deputy attorney general representing the People of the State of California, and a witness whom Sandhu named as his managing licensee, Dr. Frank Marco.

The petition is tied to a 2021 final decision that revoked Sandhu’s license after findings of multiple record-keeping deficiencies, negligence and unprofessional conduct. The record introduced at the hearing included nine exhibits: jurisdictional documents, license history, prior discipline and the decision and order, a cost certification showing $47,512.11 in cost recovery plus a $5,000 fine (total $52,512.11), the petition for reinstatement, Sandhu’s written statement, recommendation letters, continuing-education certificates, and a LiveScan fingerprint submission. Deputy Attorney General Stephanie Alamo Lateef moved to admit the exhibits and stated the Attorney General’s office was present “to assist the ALJ and the board in fact finding. My role is not adversarial but intended to protect the public interest.”

Why this matters: The board’s earlier decision found deficiencies it said affected patient care; a reinstated license would allow Sandhu to resume clinical duties and could affect practices in the Antelope Valley and surrounding communities where Sandhu owns or is associated with premises registrations. The board said it would deliberate in closed session and issue a written decision — a…