California Board of Psychology Accepts Surrender of Psychologist License
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2022
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CONTACT: Sandra Monterrubio
Sandra.Monterrubio@dca.ca.gov
La Jolla Psychologist Accused of Gross Negligence, Billing, and Ethical Violations
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Board of Psychology (Board) has adopted a Stipulated Surrender of License and Order for Diana Pickett, Ph.D, #24337 of La Jolla, after issuing an Accusation July 14, 2021, which alleges Pickett committed gross negligence in her care and treatment of a patient and violated rules of professional conduct and ethical standards.
According to the Accusation, Pickett committed gross negligence in her care and treatment of a patient by administering psychological and/or neuropsychological tests to assess a patient’s memory and competence rather than referring the patient for an evaluation to a neuropsychologist or other outside specialist. Pickett allegedly encouraged the patient to practice medicine by encouraging his caregivers to fill out insurance applications for providers privileges and tried to facilitate a romantic relationship by introducing the patient to a former patient.
The Accusation also alleges Pickett misrepresented herself as a physician and surgeon, and her billing records contained multiple inaccuracies when compared to her treatment records. Pickett is also accused of terminating the patient’s treatment via voice message and email, failing to formulate a plan to terminate care and/or transfer care to another treatment provider, and failing to provide any referrals upon termination of care.
The adoption of the Stipulated Surrender of License by the Board will constitute a record of discipline against Pickett and shall become part of Pickett’s license history with the Board.
The Accusation including administrative disciplinary actions are available on Pickett’s licensing detail page at https://search.dca.ca.gov/.
For information on how to file a complaint or for information about the Board of Psychology, visit www.psychology.ca.gov.
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ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY: The Board of Psychology’s mission is to advance quality psychological services for Californians by ensuring ethical and legal practice and supporting the evolution of the profession. For information on how to file a complaint, or for information about the Board of Psychology, visit us at www.psychology.ca.gov.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects consumers through oversight, enforcement, and licensure of professions, and helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. Consumers can verify a license and file a complaint against a licensee online at www.dca.ca.gov or by phone at (800) 952-5210.
