State yanks license of West Hollywood psychiatrist Ruby Siddiqui

May 17, 2012

On May 8th, 2012, the Medical Board of California issued an Interim Suspension Order, suspended the medical license of West Hollywood, California psychiatrist Ruby Siddiqui. An Interim Suspension Order is a safety measure to protect the public until the Medical Board has come to a full administrative determination of a health care practitioner’s fitness to practice.

According to the state’s document, the Board became concerned about Siddiqui when she telephoned them in June 2011 to report to them an attempted lawsuit against her for sexual harassment. Licensed health care practitioners are required to report legal actions against them to the Board. On the call, Siddiqui is reported to have spoken in an illogical, disjointed and confusing manner, an admitted to conduct that violates the state Medical Practice Act.

The Board initiated an investigation of Siddiqui.

A Board investigator interviewed Siddiqui in her home on July 26 and 27, 2011 and noted that her home was in disarray, cluttered, and smelled strongly of cat urine. Siddiqui lives with 22 cats. The investigator established that Siddiqui’s disorganized and illogical speaking patterns were widespread. It was found that Siddiqui engaged in sexual relationships with patients. Additionally, it was found that she does not keep medical records although she treats patients. Further, it was found that she prescribes drugs without conduct any examinations and at times freely prescribes based solely on patient requests. Lastly, Siddiqui bills patients’ insurance companies for weekly visits, regardless of whether she sees them.

An evaluator appointed by the Board found Siddiqui to be unsafe to practice medicine.

A final order will be forthcoming.

Source: Ruling and Order on Petition for Interim Suspension Order in teh Matter of the Petition for Interim Suspension Order Against Ruby Siddiqui, M.D., License No. C50414, Agency Case No. 17-2011-216150, OAH Case No. 2012040380, Medical Board of California.