Palo Alto Psychiatrist Matthew Stubblefield: Medical Board Restores License; Docs Detail Discipline

December 10, 2018

The Medical Board of California (MBC) has repeatedly disciplined Palo Alto psychiatrist Matthew Stubblefield for unsafe prescribing practices, poor documentation, and negligent care involving multiple patients. Beginning in 2014, MBC accused him of prescribing large quantities of powerful controlled substances without adequate examinations, monitoring, coordination with other physicians, or basic recordkeeping—despite clear warning signs of misuse and medical risk. A second accusation in 2018 alleged similar failures involving three additional patients, resulting in extended probation, mandatory education, prescribing restrictions, and a prohibition on solo practice. In June 2024, MBC formally ended Stubblefield’s probation and restored his license without restrictions, even as the detailed findings, accusations, and disciplinary orders remain part of the public record.

TIME LINE

4/10/14: MBC issued an Accusation against Stubblefield for “unprofessional conduct: gross negligence, and/or incompetence/Lack of Knowledge; and/or excessive prescribing; and/or furnishing drugs without medical necessity.”

The Accusation states that Dr. Stubblefield is accused of repeatedly prescribing large amounts of powerful painkillers and sedatives to patient JD without properly examining him, clearly documenting why the medications were needed, or safely monitoring their use. Over several years, JD showed many warning signs of possible drug misuse—such as lost or stolen medications, early refill requests, arrests related to drugs, and prescriptions from multiple doctors. Despite these red flags, Dr. Stubblefield continued prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines, and fentanyl. He also prescribed dangerously high amounts of medications containing acetaminophen without ordering liver tests or adequately addressing the risk of liver damage. He did not coordinate care with other doctors or refer JD to pain or addiction specialists.

Further, MBC accused Stubblefield of repeatedly providing negligent care by treating JD for serious medical problems outside his psychiatric specialty, including diabetes and chronic pain, without proper exams, treatment plans, or communication with other healthcare providers. He failed to adequately examine JD before prescribing pain medications and did not clearly explain or document the risks of long-term use of controlled drugs or discuss safer treatment alternatives. These failures occurred repeatedly over time.

Lastly, MBC accused Stubblefield of failing to keep basic and accurate medical records. For years, there was little or no documentation explaining JD’s diagnosis, treatment plan, or why powerful controlled drugs were prescribed. He also failed to document discussions about the dangers of mixing painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, and marijuana, as well as any ongoing monitoring of JD while JD was taking high doses of addictive medications. This lack of records made safe and responsible care impossible.

11/20/2015: MBC issued Stipulated Settlement and Disciplinary Order which placed Stubblefield on probation for two years and imposed additional continuing education including a medical recordkeeping course and prescribing practices course and also use of a practice monitor during the probation period.

1/3/18: MBC issued another Accusation against Stubblefield regarding his treatment of three patients (JS, DB, and JA). MBC's document states that Stubblefield's "overall care and treatment" of these patients "constitutes unprofessional conduct through:

• "gross negligence and/or
• "repeated negligent act and/or
• "excessive prescribing and/or
• "prescribing without an appropriate medical examination or medical indication and/or
• "failure to maintain accurate and adequate medical records" 

8/20/18: MBC issued a Proposed Decision relative to the January 2018 Accusation, which determined Stubblefield had committed the following violations with regard to each patient: 

• JS: Prescribed clearly excessive amounts of dangerous drugs; maintained inadequate medical records; negligence; and gross negligence
• DB: Prescribed clearly excessive amounts of dangerous drugs; prescribed stimulant medication without medical indication; maintained inadequate medical records; negligence; and gross negligence
• JA: Prescribed stimulant medication without medical indication; maintained inadequate medical records; negligence; and gross negligence

The Order placed Stubblefield on probation for five years with terms and conditions that included yet more additional medical education in the areas of medical record keeping, prescribing practices, professionalism, clinical competence, and more stringent requirements on his controlled substance prescribing and dispensing records. He was additionally required to continue to have a practice monitor throughout the probation period.

MBC also prohibited Stubblefield from engaging in the solo practice of medicine, requiring him to establish a practice with another physician or secure employment in an appropriate practice setting within 60 days of the issuance of the order.

11/8/18: Stubblefield’s attorney obtained an order granting a 10-day stay of the Board’s proposed decision.

11/16/18: MBC considered Stubblefield's petition to reconsider the matter but issued an Order Denying Petition Reconsideration. The Proposed order was final.

6/6/24: MBC issued an Order Following Completion of Probation, indicating that Stubblefield had successfully completed probation and that his license was fully restored and free of probation requirements. 

Source: Decision and Order in the Matter of the Accusation Against Mathew Sinclair Stubblefield, M.D., Physician's & Surgeon's Certificate No G 72442, Case No. 12-2012-225980, Medical Board of California, October 22, 2015; Order Denying Petition for Reconsideration and Order Following Completion of Probation in the Matter of the Accusation Against Mathew Sinclair Stubblefield, M.D., Physician's & Surgeon's Certificate No G 72442, Case No. 800-2016-019765, Medical Board of California, November 16, 2018 and June 6, 2024, respectively.