California psychologist Preston B. Fields surrenders license to state on accusation of sexual abuse of patient

March 14, 2007

On March 14, 2007, Preston B. Fields, Ph.D., voluntarily surrendered his license to the California Board of Psychology. Fields was formally accused of, inter alia, “Use of License For Sex Crimes” and “Sexual Abuse of Patient.”  According to the Board’s Stipulated Surrender of License and Order, “For the purpose of resolving the Accusation without the expense and uncertainty of further proceedings, Respondent [Fields] chooses not to contest the accusation and to voluntarily surrender his license and agrees that, at a hearing, Complainant [Psychology Board] could establish a prima facie basis for the charges in the Accusation and that those charges constitute cause for discipline.  Respondent hereby gives up his right to contest that cause for discipline exists based on those charges.” 

The Board’s formal Accusation against Dr. Fields, contains the following:

"On January 18, 2005, Dr. Fields administered psychological care to his patient Dorothy N., an elderly resident of Chatsworth Park Care Center, 10610 Owensmouth, Chatsworth, California, a nursing care facility.  Immediately following his provision of psychological care to Dorothy N. in her shared room, Dr. Fields exposed his penis to Jane R., and 88-year-old female roommate of Dorothy N.  Dr. Fields approached Jane R. while she was in her bed and asked her to touch his penis.  At the time of the incident, Dorothy N. was still in her bed and in the same room.  A certified nursing assistant entered the room and witnessed Dr. Fields exposing his erect penis to Jane R.  In an audiotaped interview with the Board, Dr. Fields admitted giving Jane R. a kiss on January 18, 2005.  The room shared by Dorothy N. and Jane R. is a medical setting because Dr. Fields had just provided psychological care to Dorothy N. at her bedside.  Dr. Fields abused Jane R., and elderly woman, and his lewd conduct constituted sexual abuse of his patient Dorothy N.”

Source: Accusation and Stipulated Surrender of License and Order in the Matter of the Accusation Against Preston Brian Fields, Ph.D., Psychologist License PSY 13452, Case No. 1F-2005-163962, OAH No. LA2006080873, Board of Psychology, Department of Consumer Affairs, State of California.