A South Pasadena doctor has apologized for yelling at a child with autism and the boy’s grandmother.
The physician apologized for yelling at a child with autism and the boy's grandmother, as CBS News Los Angeles reported.
Beyond the doctor's apology and the confrontation itself, details about when it occurred, the doctor's identity and the medical practice involved remain unclear.
How California Reviews Physician Complaints
The Medical Board of California says it generally does not have jurisdiction over a provider’s attitude, bedside manner or demeanor unless the behavior interferes with the safe delivery of health care. According to the Medical Board of California, its Central Complaint Unit initially reviews complaints to determine whether an alleged violation warrants further investigation.
A Separate Pacoima Case
A separate incident in Pacoima also drew attention after video showed an adult striking an autistic child. Attorney James Blatt said his client was remorseful, according to a separate report from CBS Los Angeles.
In that Pacoima case, the outlet reported that Scott Sakajian was caught on camera slapping 10-year-old Alfred Morales on July 9 after the child grabbed the hood ornament on Sakajian's Mercedes-Benz. “He's extremely saddened and remorseful about the incident,” Blatt said at the time. That video also prompted an online fundraiser that ultimately raised tens of thousands of dollars for the boy's family, per the report.
The Pacoima incident is unrelated to the South Pasadena case and does not establish anything about the circumstances of the doctor’s encounter.
What Remains Unknown
As of now, it has not been established whether any formal complaint, investigation, or legal action followed the South Pasadena incident.
