California Medical Board Suspended Surgeon's License
The state board acted after allegations that a UC San Diego Health surgeon diverted patients' oxycodone.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The Medical Board of California suspended the medical license of Dr. Jacob W. Husseman on Sept. 17, 2026, following accusations of drug diversion. UC San Diego Health previously terminated the surgeon after reports emerged that he pilfered patients' oxycodone prescriptions.
Why it matters
The suspension highlights institutional efforts to address drug diversion within clinical settings after Husseman admitted that his opioid use evolved into a disorder. The case centers on patient safety and the professional conduct standards mandated by the state medical board.
The board's investigation includes recorded evidence of the surgeon removing pills from prescription bags, which contained as few as 24 remaining units in a 30-pill supply. Husseman has provided negative drug tests since Dec. 16, 2025.
The players
Jacob W. Husseman
He is a former surgeon who practiced in Poway and at UC San Diego Health before his license was suspended.
Medical Board of California
This is the state regulatory agency responsible for licensing and disciplining physicians throughout the state.
UC San Diego Health
This is a major academic medical center in San Diego that employs medical staff and manages surgical facilities.
The details
Security footage from UC San Diego Health captured the surgeon handling sealed prescription bags and removing his hand in a fist during a 7-minute patient consultation. Husseman, who resigned in December 2025, confirmed he struggled with opioid use disorder and completed a 10-week intensive outpatient program in early 2026.
Timeline
August 13, 2025: A patient surgery and medication interaction took place.
August 20, 2025: Husseman allegedly removed pills during a postoperative visit.
November 24, 2025: An alleged pill removal incident occurred following a surgery.
December 2025: Husseman resigned from his position at UC San Diego Health.
September 17, 2026: The Medical Board of California issued an official order suspending the license.
Health Landscape
The state's action follows the established procedural framework for the California Medical Board's standard drug diversion investigation protocols. This case underscores the ongoing clinical challenge of monitoring professional integrity within high-stakes surgical environments.
Patients who were treated by the surgeon during the period of alleged diversion may face concerns regarding the integrity of their prescribed pain management. The board's ruling serves to protect public safety by restricting practice rights until a formal hearing process concludes.
The takeaway
Healthcare providers struggling with substance use are encouraged to utilize board-approved recovery paths to maintain their licensure. Patients concerned about past prescriptions should monitor their own recovery and consult with hospital administrative offices.
Further reading
For more information on state policies regarding clinician conduct, visit the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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