Role of the Medical Board of California
What does the Medical Board do?
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.
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, refer to the link below.
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. Refer to the obtaining enforcement documents
link below.
If consumers have a problem with a physician or other health professional regulated
by the Medical Board, a complaint can be filed. 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. For complaint information click on the link below.
The Board does not regulate health plans or insurance companies. If you need information
or have a problem with a health plan contact:
For information or problems with an insurance company contact:
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 click on the link below.
