DPH Board Accepts Proposed Memorandum of Decision in Case Involving Dr. Steven Ruiz

The Department of Public Health board voted to accept a corrected proposed memorandum of decision in the disciplinary matter concerning Dr. Steven Ruiz. The board took the measure after confirming the document corrected a typographical error in the originally circulated version and noting counsel for the respondent was not present for today’s meeting.

A department staff attorney told the board that "the parties were provided a proposed decision" but that attorney Silva, who represents the respondent, was not on the line. The board clarified that this was the first time the corrected memorandum had been before them and moved to accept the factual findings and conclusions of law as corrected.

Board member Sarita announced she would recuse herself because she works with the respondent, a fact she said could affect her vote. The board then recorded an affirmative vote: Dr. Stephanie Katz, Deb Dodenhoff, Dr. Lon Lombardi and Craig Fontaine voted in favor, with one recusal; the motion carried.

The chair instructed staff to notify the parties and to process the accepted memorandum through the Public Health Hearing Office. No further sanctions or remedies were specified in the public discussion during the meeting; the board’s action was limited to accepting the corrected memorandum of decision.

What’s next: staff will notify the parties and update the board record to reflect the board’s acceptance of the memorandum.