Dr. David Chao, former Chargers doctor who has created a moderate media presence since leaving the NFL, could eventually be losing his license to practice medicine for good.
According to 10News.com, the Medical Board of California is seeking a meeting to discuss revoking or permanently suspending Chao’s license as a result of his treatment of deceased Hall of Famer Junior Seau.
The complaint (which accuses Chao of gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, prescribing medication without a prior examination, failure to maintain accurate and adequate records, and unprofessional conduct) alleges that Chao prescribed the sleeping aid Ambien to Seau for years, despite warning signs including insomnia and depression. Chao allegedly continued to prescribe Ambien to Seau after an October 2010 car accident that following a domestic violence incident for which Seau was arrested.
Chao previously told investigators that Seau had no “depression or any other psychological issues” during the time period that included the week preceding his May 2012 suicide.
In 2014, Chao was placed on five years probation and had his medical license revoked after he was “convicted of a crime substantially related to the practice of medicine and engaged in dishonest and corrupt acts.” Via Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today, Chao “has been dogged by malpractice lawsuits and legal issues over the years, including a public reprimand by the board for failing to disclose a drunken-driving conviction on state forms as required.”