Crime & Safety
Fountain Valley Doctor Under State Investigation
Dr. Van Vu faces scrutiny after being linked to 16 patient deaths.
A Fountain Valley doctor is under investigation by the Medical Board of California after 16 patients allegedly died in connection with his practice, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The board's action comes after a Los Angeles Times investigation in November found 16 people died after Dr. Van Vu — whose California Pain Center has locations in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach — prescribed them powerful pain medication.
According to the paper, Vu's attorney, Richard Wynn, said the doctor would cooperate fully with the investigation. He said Vu hoped the medical board would form a committee to develop better procedures for treating chronic pain, and that he be invited to participate.
Find out what's happening in Fountain Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A series of Los Angeles Times articles published last year reported many patients Southern California had accidentally overdosed on medicine lawfully obtained and prescribed by different doctors.
Reporters identified a total of 3,733 deaths from prescription drugs from 2006 through 2011 in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Diego counties.
