1110 Department of Consumer Affairs, Boards
Program Descriptions

1150 - MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Medical Board of California licenses and regulates physicians, midwives, and research psychoanalysts. The Board assures the initial and continued competence of the health professions and occupations under its jurisdiction through licensure, investigation of complaints against its licensees, and discipline of those found guilty of violations of the law or regulations.

The Board's objective is to improve the quality of medical services within California. To accomplish this objective, the Board must ensure that only those persons possessing the necessary education, examination and experience qualifications receive licenses; all licentiates obtain the required continuing medical education training; consumers are informed of their rights and how complaints may be directed to the Board; consumer complaints against licentiates are promptly, thoroughly and fairly investigated; and appropriate action is taken against licentiates whose care or behavior is outside of acceptable standards.

Pursuant to Chapter 405, Statutes of 2015 (AB 684, Alejo), the regulation of opticians, spectacle lens dispensers and contact lens dispensers was transferred from the Medical Board of California to the California State Board of Optometry effective January, 2016. For display simplicity, the Governor's Budget reflects the move effective July 1, 2016.