DA'S TEAM PROPOSED TO COMBAT ILLEGAL CLINICS

Crime: The two-person unit is ready to roll if funding is approved by county
supervisors.

Santa Ana-A two-person investigative team targeting unlicensed clinics
and illegal pharmaceutical sales is being proposed by the Orange
County District Attorney's Office.

All that remains for the creation of a special unit is approval by the
Orange County Board of Supervisors for additional money to hire two
new people.

"I'm optimistic," said Doug Woodsmall, supervisor of the consumer and
environmental protection unit in the DA's Office. "It hasn't been done
yet, but it looks very probable."

Woodsmall would oversee the deputy district attorney and investigator
making up the unit.

Their work would begin almost immediately, said Woodsmall. The team
has been in the planning stages for several weeks, and the District
Attorney's Office is ready to start a consumer hot line, in Spanish
and Vietnamese, for residents to call in tips on illegal clinics.

The team will investigate and prosecute crimes stemming from the
illegal sale and distribution of pharmaceuticals, and the operation of
so-called back-room health clinics.

"It's a terrific idea. I'm in favor of anything we can do to shut down
these illegal mills," said Supervisor Cynthia Coad.

Supervisor Charles Smith said the board would be receptive to a
long-range plan that educates the public and enforces the law against
violators.

Orange County law enforcement has been criticized for taking little
action to shut down unlicensed clinics and medical providers. Two
children have died over the past year after treatment at allegedly
illegal operations. Elsewhere, a task force has been investigating
illegal clinics in Los Angeles County.