The Medical Board of California (MBC) has filed an "" accusation against Simone Gold, MD, JD, in connection with her guilty plea on charges related to her participation in the Jan. 6 insurrection in the U.S. Capitol and her subsequent prison term.
The MBC's accusation lists two causes for discipline: "conviction of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a physician and surgeon, and general unprofessional conduct."
According to California's business and professions code, unprofessional conduct is defined as that which "breaches the rules or ethical code of the medical profession or conduct which is unbecoming a member in good standing of the medical profession, and which demonstrates an unfitness to practice medicine."
Gold's license is at stake. The accusation asks the medical board to issue a decision around revoking or suspending her license.
Gold, who is a founder of the controversial group America's Frontline Doctors, was "giving public speeches on COVID-19-related lockdowns, COVID-19 vaccinations, and the use of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine as potential treatments," the MBC document states.
She "entered the east side of the Capitol building with her security guard," knowing "that she did not have lawful authority to enter," it continues.
After Gold pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building, she was sentenced to 60 days in prison followed by 12 months of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay approximately $10,025 in criminal monetary penalties, according to the MBC document.
During her prison term, Gold's license to practice medicine in California was placed on inactive status, and then returned to active status after she was released.
Gold had been an emergency room physician in the Los Angeles area, but moved to Naples, Florida about 2 years ago. She applied for and received a license to practice in that state last July. The Florida Department of Health her license status on Feb. 13 as "clear/active" with no disciplinary actions on file.
Last fall, leaders of America's Frontline Doctors filed a lawsuit accusing Gold of misusing the organization's funds to buy a $3.6 million home in Naples and three cars, including a Mercedes Benz, for personal use.
The California licensing agency also wants Gold to repay the costs of investigating and enforcing this case, as well as any potential costs incurred if she is placed on probation.
Gold has promoted both ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID, and although both drugs are approved by the FDA for some diseases, neither has been found effective for treating COVID-19.
The medical board's action was not done under the authority of California's new disinformation law, which prohibits licensees from providing false information about COVID vaccines or treatments in the context of direct patient care when that information is delivered maliciously and is contradicted by contemporary scientific consensus.
As of press time, Gold's representatives had not responded to a request for comment.
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