California board asks judge to suspend Murray’s license

LOS ANGELES -- California's medical board again has asked a judge to suspend the license of the doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death.

The state attorney general's office argued in a brief filed this past Monday that the current prohibition against Dr. Conrad Murray using anesthetics is insufficient.

"While the defendant asserts that he will not practice in California, there is no legal bar to him changing his mind and engaging in practice in this state," the filing said.

It also argues, "It is not just his 'prescribing' practices that are in question, but his fundamental judgment and skill as a physician."

Murray's attorney Ed Chernoff said he will file a response to the court later this week.

Murray is due back in court Monday. He has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of the singer from the anesthetic propofol and other drugs.

Murray's medical license is likely to be the dominant issue of the hearing.

His lawyers have argued it is unnecessary to revoke Murray's California license because he does not practice in the state. They also cautioned that a suspension would have a domino effect leading to his inability to practice at his clinics in Nevada and Texas, where he is also licensed.

In April, the Texas Medical Board restricted Murray from administering propofol or any anesthetic agent normally administered by an anesthesiologist.

Murray's medical license in Nevada is also at risk because of unpaid child support payments.

Last month, the cardiologist stabilized a woman who fell unconscious and had a weak pulse on a US Airways flight from Houston.