SACRAMENTO – When the Medical Board of California and the Board of Chiropractic Examiners received complaints about a West Sacramento “chiropractor” practicing medicine without a license, investigators went to work to determine what exactly was taking place.   Their investigation lead to the July 19, 2016 arrest of James Joseph Martin on nine felony charges of practicing medicine without a license and grand theft.  Following his arrest,  Martin was ordered not to practice medicine.

According to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Martin operated a business called “Dr. James Martin, D.PSc.”   He appeared on Sacramento news shows stating he was a “Thyroid and Diabetic Specialist” and practiced “Functional Neurology and Metabolic Medicine.” “D.PSc.” is a designation for Doctor of Pastoral Science, which the Pastoral Medical Association website describes as a “license.” According to the Medical Board of California, Doctor of Pastoral Science is not recognized in California and does not authorize anyone to practice medicine or any of the healing arts in the state.

According to a press release, Martin allegedly was paid large sums of money for his treatments and referenced himself as “Head Physician” and “Lic. MD (P)” and misrepresented himself as a “physician.” The Board of Chiropractic Examiners had previously cited Martin for his advertising.

At his court appearance on July 22, 2016, the judge granted an order that prohibits Martin from performing any acts for which a chiropractic license is required until conclusion of his criminal matters and thereafter as a condition of probation until the anticipated administrative action is completed.

“It is important that patients report any  suspicions about someone treating them to the Medical Board of California,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association President Alan Barcelona.  “These investigations can be lengthy and complex and require much work on behalf of the investigators.  It is their commitment to our health and well-being that leads to the arrests, prosecutions and convictions of those practicing medicine without a license.”