California Medical Board seeks to revoke drunk-driving psychiatrist’s medical license

July 24, 2008

The California Medical Board recently issued an Accusation against psychiatrist Rand C. Ritchie, seeking a suspension or revocation of his license. According to the Accusation, Dr. Ritchie was pulled over by California Highway Patrol in August 2006 for speeding and weaving on the freeway. He failed a field sobriety test and a later toxicology screen showed he tested positive for marijuana and opiates. He was convicted in December 2007 for Driving Under the Influence of a Drug and Alcohol and was sentenced to three years' probation. Additionally, it states that Dr. Ritchie was convicted in January 2007 for disturbing the peace and sentenced to 18 months' probation and a small fine. He was also convicted in 1985, 1986 and 1991 of separate incidents of Driving Under the Influence. Based on those, the Medical Board initiated disciplinary actions against him, resulting in five years' license probation beginning in December 1994.¹