California Suspended San Diego Surgeon's Medical License
The state board acted after a surgeon was accused of diverting prescription painkillers from patients.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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On September 17, 2026, the Medical Board of California suspended the medical license of Dr. Jacob W. Husseman following allegations of oxycodone diversion. The physician previously resigned from UC San Diego Health in December 2025 after reports that he misappropriated patient medication.
Why it matters
This suspension addresses critical risks to patient safety and the integrity of pain management protocols. The case highlights the potential for clinicians with opioid use disorders to compromise the delivery of controlled substances in medical settings.
The Medical Board of California issued its suspension order based on video surveillance evidence capturing the diversion of pills during patient consultations. Findings are based on documentation of alleged incidents in August and November 2025.
The players
Dr. Jacob W. Husseman
A surgeon previously practicing in Poway who is currently under a license suspension due to allegations of opioid diversion.
Medical Board of California
The state regulatory agency responsible for licensing physicians and enforcing professional conduct standards.
UC San Diego Health
A regional academic health system that monitors clinical practices and manages controlled substance protocols.
The details
The board alleges that Dr. Husseman removed oxycodone tablets from sealed prescription bags during meetings with patients and their families. Surveillance footage at UC San Diego Health documented a seven-minute consultation during which the physician was recorded handling medication and removing his hand in a closed fist. Dr. Husseman has acknowledged that his opioid use transitioned from legitimate medical treatment into an opioid use disorder, though he reported completing a 10-week intensive outpatient program in 2026.
Timeline
August 13, 2025: A patient surgery and medication interaction occurred.
August 20, 2025: Dr. Husseman allegedly removed pills during a postoperative visit.
November 24, 2025: An alleged pill removal incident occurred following surgery.
December 2025: Dr. Husseman resigned from his position at UC San Diego Health.
September 17, 2026: The Medical Board of California issued an official license suspension order.
Health Landscape
This case underscores the professional accountability frameworks required under the Controlled Substances Act to protect public health. It reflects broader medical efforts to identify and intervene in cases where clinician impairment intersects with the handling of potent analgesics.
Patients who have concerns about the management of their prescriptions or the conduct of their providers should communicate directly with their medical facility's patient advocate. It is appropriate to ask your physician about the standard safeguards in place to ensure the security of prescribed controlled medications.
The takeaway
Clinician impairment is a serious matter that regulatory boards monitor to ensure patient safety and drug security. If you ever have doubts about the handling of your medications during a visit, do not hesitate to contact your facility's administration or patient ombudsman.
Further reading
For more information on identifying and managing risks related to clinician health, visit Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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