Court Opinion

ID: 9883706
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-10-06 02:13:36.139506+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:48:29.607803
License: Public Domain

POPOVICH, Chief Judge
(concurring specially).
I concur in the result but have reservations strong enough to warrant a separate concurrence.
1. The administrative law judge made 37 findings and 13 conclusions. In his memorandum, he thoroughly discussed the *888credibility of D.O., A.V., L.W., D.S. and M.R. Based on his findings and conclusions, he recommended that the Board “take disciplinary action against the license” of Padilla, but made no specific recommendations regarding the kind of disciplinary action to be taken. The administrative law judge admitted evidence ruling that any objection would go to the weight rather than to the admissibility. It is also the administrative law judge who sees the witnesses and must determine credibility. Thus, he should have made specific recommendations regarding the disciplinary action to be taken. The Board, not having seen the witnesses, cannot determine weight and credibility from a cold record. Administrative law judges make specific recommendations in other cases. There is no reason for an exception in disciplinary matters. I would recommend that in future similar cases, the administrative law judge make recommendations as is done by referees in judicial and lawyer discipline matters.
2. Padilla’s rights to cross-examine or confront witnesses were limited. Padilla should have had the opportunity to cross-examine the patients who were the subject of the medical records introduced. Further, he should have had the opportunity to cross-examine the other preparers of the medical records.
3. Finally, offers of proof and arguments on objections were made by the Board’s counsel within the hearing of witnesses and suggested answers expected of the witnesses. It amounted to witness coaching. This is not good practice and should be prohibited by the administrative law judge.