Frequently Asked Questions - Public Information/Disclosure
Can you tell me if this doctor has any complaints?
No. Complaints are not public information since they are just allegations; if a
complaint results in discipline,
that action is public. To determine if a physician has been disciplined,
view their profile through the Breeze Online
License
Lookup.
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What is a public reprimand?
The Board can issue two types of public reprimands. A public reprimand can be issued
by the Licensing Program to an applicant for a minor violation that does not require
probationary status or warrant denial of the license. The reprimands issued by the
Licensing Program are considered non-disciplinary and are issued to the physician
when the license is granted.
After a physician is licensed, a public reprimand can be issued for minor violations
of law in lieu of the filing of formal charges (i.e., an accusation). A public reprimand
issued for a violation of law is considered a lesser form of discipline.
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What does "probation completed" mean?
This means that the Board took administrative action against a physician and required
that he/she fulfill some terms and conditions (or monitoring) for a period of time.
The notation "probation completed" means the physician completed the terms and conditions
and has been released from the probation. You may obtain the documents describing
the action taken against the physician from our website or the Central File Room.
The documents outline all of the terms and conditions that the Board imposed on
the licensee and describe the reasons for that action. The Central File Room can
be reached at (916) 263-2525.
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What is the section of law that identifies what information about a physician the
Board is required to disclose to the public?
Sections 803.1 and 2027 of the Business & Professions Code identify what information
the Board is authorized to disclose to the public. If you would like to review these
sections of law, they are available on the
California Legislative Information website.
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What constitutes a citation and who issues citations and fines?
The Citation and Fine Program is an alternative method by which the Medical Board
can impose a sanction and take an administrative action against a licensed or unlicensed
individual found in violation of a law or regulation governing the practice of medicine.
The Board has authority
to issue citations and fines to physicians and allied health licensees for specified
violations of law. Citations are not discipline, although they are public record.
A copy of the citation is a public record and is posted on the website, and must
be provided to the public for three years from the date of resolution.
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Is public information available on the website regarding medical malpractice judgments
and arbitration awards filed against a physician?
When you search for a physician through the
BreEZe
Online License Lookup, the physician's "profile" will show medical malpractice
judgments and arbitration awards of any amount reported to the Board since 1993.
However, malpractice cases that result in settlement are not reflected unless specific
criteria are met (see Physician License Lookup
– Public Disclosure). You also can check with the county courthouse
to
research whether civil lawsuits for medical malpractice have been filed against
a doctor.
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