Physician License Lookup
In reviewing a physician's information, it is important to know what is and is not available from the Medical Board of California (Board) about physicians licensed by the State of California.
The law provides that the following information IS public and would appear on a record under Public Disclosure if applicable to the physician:
- If a physician has been disciplined or formally accused of wrongdoing by the Board.
- If a physician's practice has been temporarily restricted or suspended pursuant to a court order.
- If a physician has been disciplined by a medical board of another state or federal government agency.
- If a physician has been convicted of a felony reported to the Board after January 3, 1991.
- If a physician has been convicted of a misdemeanor after January 1, 2007 that results in a disciplinary action or an accusation being filed by the Board, and the accusation is not subsequently withdrawn or dismissed.
- If a physician has been issued a citation for a minor violation of the law by the Board within the last five years. This is not considered disciplinary action.
- If a physician has been issued a public letter of reprimand at time of licensure. This is not considered disciplinary action.
- Any hospital disciplinary actions that resulted in the termination or revocation of the physician's privileges to provide health care services at a health care facility for a medical disciplinary cause or reason reported to the Board after January 1, 1995.
- After January 1, 1998, all malpractice judgments and arbitration awards (between January 1, 1993 and January 1, 1998, only those malpractice judgments and arbitration awards more than $30,000 were required to be reported to the Board).
- After January 1, 2003, malpractice settlements over $30,000 that meet the following criteria:
- Four or more in a 10-year period (beginning 1/1/03) if the physician practices in a high-risk specialty (obstetrics, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery and neurological surgery)
- Three or more in a 10-year period (beginning 1/1/03) if the physician practices in a low-risk specialty (all other specialties)
Under California law, the following information is confidential and NOT public and would NOT appear on a record if applicable to the physician:
- Complaints made to the Medical Board of California
- Investigations conducted by the Medical Board of California
- Misdemeanor convictions that occurred prior to January 1, 2007
- Misdemeanor convictions that occurred after January 1, 2007 that did not result in a disciplinary action or an accusation being filed by the Board
- Some medical malpractice information, e.g., pending or dismissed cases. This information may be available at the local county courthouse in the "Civil Index." Click here for California Superior Court contact information.
Disclaimer
All information provided by the Medical Board of California on this Web page, and on its other Web pages and Internet sites, is made available to provide immediate access for the convenience of interested persons. While the Board believes the information to be reliable, human or mechanical error remains a possibility, as does delay in the posting or updating of information. Therefore, the Board makes no guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, currency, or correct sequencing of the information. Neither the Board, nor any of the sources of the information, shall be responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the use or results obtained from the use of this information. Other specific cautionary notices may be included on other Web pages maintained by the Board. All access to and use of this Web page and any other Web page or Internet site of the Board is governed by the Disclaimers and Conditions for Access and Use as set forth at California Department of Consumer Affairs' Disclaimer Information and Use Information.
