Osteopathic Medical Board hears petition for early termination of DO's probation; deliberation moved to closed session
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Summary
The board heard Eman Abdallah, DO, request early termination of a five‑year probation imposed after discipline connected to med‑spa operations. Deputy AG Matthew Fleming recommended continuing probation; the board took the matter under submission and recessed to closed session for deliberation.
The Osteopathic Medical Board of California heard oral argument Nov. 13 from licensee Eman Abdallah, DO, seeking early termination of a five‑year probation that began after a 2023 stipulated disciplinary order.
Administrative Law Judge Marcy Larson presided over the hearing. Deputy Attorney General Matthew Fleming reviewed the disciplinary history, identified exhibits admitted into evidence (Exhibits 1–11), and provided the board with the factual background that led to Abdallah’s probation. Fleming told the board that Abdallah’s disciplinary matter arose from the ownership and management of two Los Angeles‑area med spas and included allegations such as gross negligence, inadequate medical records, and aiding unsupervised practice by unlicensed staff. Fleming said probation has been effective, arguing that “probation is working for this licensee” and recommended the board continue the existing term.
Abdallah testified on her own behalf without counsel. She described steps she said she has taken to comply with the terms of probation and to change her practice: relinquishing supervisory roles at other facilities, moving to a single private practice in Beverly Hills, using an electronic medical‑record system with lot‑number and expiration‑date tracking for injectables, completing additional continuing‑medical‑education credits and safety consultations, and instituting written policies. In testimony she acknowledged responsibility for past failures and reflected on lessons learned; she told the board, “I accept that ignorance does not buy you a ticket to get off the hook.”
Board members questioned Abdallah about the scope of her current clinical staff, training and sources of CME, and the ongoing cost and professional burdens imposed by probation (including monitoring fees and credentialing limits with insurers). Fleming emphasized the board’s interest in public safety and the limited time elapsed since the underlying misconduct, noting that the petition had been filed at the earliest point Abdallah could request relief.
After oral argument and closing remarks from both sides, the ALJ closed the record and the board recessed into closed session to deliberate. No decision was issued at the meeting; the licensee was told the board will provide a written decision at a later date.
