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SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — The state medical board is investigating an Orange County doctor in the deaths of two patients who died of prescription drug overdoses.
Board spokeswoman Cassandra Hockenson tells the Orange County Register (http://bit.ly/P5mUUX ) that officials are seeking to suspend or revoke the medical license of Dr. John Petraglia, a Newport Beach-based pain management specialist. He has not faced criminal charges.
One of the patients who died was Tabatha Salo, a 23-year-old graduate of Costa Mesa High School. Her mother tells the newspaper that Salo sought treatment from Petraglia for back pain and again following breast-reduction surgery.
Officials say Petraglia didn't investigate when tests showed Salo was taking higher doses than prescribed.
Petraglia's lawyer says he'll file a formal response to the medical board accusation but won't respond in the media.
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Information from: The Orange County Register, http://www.ocregister.com
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