Board hears petition from John Beal on long record of misconduct, rehabilitation and oversight plans

The Board of Chiropractic Examiners held a reinstatement hearing on Oct. 9 for John Beal, who surrendered his license in 2021 under a stipulated surrender after an amended accusation alleged improper sexual relationships with patients and employees.

Counsel Robert K. Weinberg represented Beal; Deputy Attorney General Jason Liu appeared for the state. Administrative Law Judge Dina Galli presided. The board received a consolidated exhibit package (marked as Exhibit 1) that included Beal’s application for reinstatement, supporting documents, a continuing education log, license history and certified disciplinary records.

Weinberg said Beal acknowledges wrongdoing and asked the board to consider the petitioner’s significant rehabilitative steps. Beal testified that the misconduct occurred principally between 2016 and February 2018, acknowledged the stipulated surrender and said he accepted responsibility. He described a lengthy program of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care begun after the accusations emerged; he said he has been in weekly therapy since 2018 and completed various remediation and boundary/boundary‑awareness programs, including courses through UC San Diego and other providers.

Beal described his current work as owner of a gym (Rise Body Works) where he performs management duties, personal training and business development. He said he had moved away from day‑to‑day clinical activities, that he no longer engages in the conduct alleged, and that he has structured the business to limit private one‑on‑one exposures. He said he maintains weekly therapy, participates in continuing education and obtained certifications he described as relevant; he also described volunteer and community activities.

Deputy Attorney General Liu questioned Beal about the end of the inappropriate relationships, whether Beal had apologized in individual cases, the content and frequency of therapy, and steps Beal would take to prevent recurrence if reinstated. Beal testified he maintains: (1) ongoing weekly psychotherapy; (2) a peer‑accountability structure at his gym; (3) physical separation from daily clinical operations; and (4) an openness to formal probationary conditions such as chaperones, supervised practice or other restrictions the board might impose.

Board members asked about online references to him as a chiropractor and website material that could mislead the public; Beal said he has sought reputation management and does not represent himself as a practicing chiropractor. Members also asked about monitoring and documentation training he has completed; he testified he took documentation courses and professional programs that he and his counsel said are in the record.

No board vote occurred at the hearing. The record will be reviewed before the board issues a decision on the petition.