SACRAMENTO (AP) _ More than 1,300 doctors, lawyers and other highly paid state employees face salary restrictions pending an audit to explain why some are making more than they are allowed.

According to a memo obtained by The Sacramento Bee, the state’s director of Personnel Administration froze salaries late last month for anyone in a class of nonunion civil servants now making more than their pay grade.

Those making less still will be eligible for raises, but smaller ones than before.

The employees work in so-called “career executive assignments.”

Under state law, they should receive salaries ranging from about $74,000 to $160,000. Some, however, are making much more than that.

For example, one medical director at the state Department of Developmental Services is paid $282,792 a year.