Role
The Medical Board of California is a state government agency which licenses and disciplines medical doctors. The Board provides two principal types of services to consumers: public-record information about California-licensed physicians, and investigation of complaints against physicians.
More on the Board's Role
Physician Inquiries
To inquire about a physician, consumers can call the Board to find out if the doctor's license is current and renewed, and also whether there have been any administrative-related actions against the doctor. Although the Board is not a physician-referral service and cannot direct consumers to a physician in their community, it has some suggestions on how to select a doctor. For further information, visit our Consumers Overview page.
Public-Record Documents
If a doctor has been the subject of Board charges, or has had administrative-related action taken, you may obtain a copy of the public-record documents from the Board's website or request a copy be sent to you. Detailed information on obtaining public-record documents can be found in our Enforcement Documents section.
Complaints
Problems with a Physician
Consumers can file a complaint against a physician or other health professional regulated by the Board. If the problem appears to be a violation of the law, the Board will investigate it and, if a violation is confirmed, take legal action against the licensee. Detailed information on filing a complaint against a physician or other health professional can be found in our Complaint Information section.
Problems with a Health Plan or Insurance Company
The Board does not regulate health plans or insurance companies. If you need information or have a problem with a health plan contact the Department of Managed Health Care at (800) 400-0815. For information or problems with an insurance company contact the Department of Insurance at (213) 897-8921.
Problems with the Board or its Employees or Services
Sometimes the Board may fail to provide a satisfactory resolution to a consumer's problems. In such cases, consumers may wish to express their concern about the services provided, or make recommendations about how those services might be improved. If this is the case, please complete the Consumer Response Form, print and mail it to us at the address listed on the form. These comments will be used by the Board to improve its operations and enhance its consumer services.
Consumer Resources
The Board offers several publications to assist patients with serious medical conditions including breast and prostate cancer, dealing with inappropriate sexual behavior by physicians or other health practitioners, donating blood prior to having surgery, and other topics. For more information, visit the Board's Resources page.
Related Links
Department of Consumer Affairs
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Department of Consumer Affairs
The Department of Consumers Affairs (DCA) is the Medical Board of California's parent agency which licenses architects to accountants, and dentists to veterinarians.
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Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency
The Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH) is DCA's parent agency whose mission is to protect consumers by licensing and regulating California professionals and businesses.
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DCA Board Member Appointment Information
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Medical Board of California? DCA has compiled a list of vacancy and appointing office information, including appointment resources and requirements.
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Other DCA Entities
The Medical Board of California is one of over 40 DCA entities which includes numerous boards, bureaus, commissions, committees, and programs aimed at consumer protection.
The Board's History
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Major Changes Impacting the Board
The Medical Board of California was the first board within DCA, and dates back to 1876 with the passage of the Medical Practice Act.
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Past Board Officers
Beginning with the original members of the Board of Examiners of the Medical Society of California, there are over 140 years of past Board officers.
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The First Twelve Decades
From Quackery to Quality Assurance: The First Twelve Decades of the Medical Board of California explores the Board's history beginning in 1876.