The Medical Board of California’s investigation process starts with a complaint instituted by the public, a professional or government group, a mandatory reporting process, or another source of alleged wrongdoing, including whistleblower reports. The complaint is analyzed by the Central Complaint Unit (CCU) of the Medical Board of California, which determines whether the complaint falls within the purview of the Board or needs to be referred to a different agency.

If it is correctly filed, then the CCU decides if more information is needed, or whether the nature and detail of the complaint warrants immediate investigation by the relevant district office. If the complaint involves medical care provided by a physician, then the medical records in question are collected and reviewed by a qualified medical consultant.

If the complaint involves a minor violation of the Medical Practice Act, which might include dispensing violations or noncompliance with the mandatory turnover of patient records, then the physician may be cited and fined, or given the opportunity to become compliant. Certain complaints may be mediated. The CCU consults with a deputy attorney general to evaluate complaints.

The Investigation Process

After the initial review and determination of a violation, the Board district office investigates and enlists a deputy attorney general to work with the board investigator. The Board investigator may determine that there is insufficient evidence to pursue the complaint, or a charge is filed against the offending physician. In summary, the potential actions for the file are:

  • Closure – the complaint will remain on file for one year if there is no evidence of a violation.
  • Contingent closure – the complaint is closed but remains on file for five years because there is evidence that the complaint had merit, but not enough evidence to support further action.
  • Referred to the Office of the Attorney General’s Health Quality Enforcement Section for a determination about whether disciplinary action is merited.
  • Referred to another agency or department for further action. This may include criminal prosecution by a district attorney.

Once the complaint is referred to the Office of the Attorney General, it may result in an administrative citation and fine for minor infractions of the Medical Practice Act. However, if the legal standards are met for a serious violation, a deputy attorney general will bring formal charges through an accusation. Prior to the filing of the accusation, the Medical Board of California may direct the Attorney General’s Office to order a competency or psychiatric examination of the physician. Absent a determination that the physician is not competent, it is at this point that the parties may negotiate a settlement. If no resolution is reached, then the matter will proceed to an administrative hearing.

An administrative law judge holds a hearing and renders a proposed decision. A Medical Board panel reviews this proposal and determines whether to:

  • Accept the decision as proposed;
  • Accept the decision but decrease the proposed penalty; or
  • Accept the decision and increase the proposed penalty.

The penalties imposed on a physician can range from issuance of a public letter of reproval, imposition of probationary terms and conditions, suspension, or revocation.

If the Medical Board panel decides to increase the penalty, it may only do so after reviewing the entire record from the administrative hearing. The physician who is being penalized may submit written arguments or be heard in oral argument.

An Appeal Is Possible

A first appeal may be made to the Medical Board of California within 30 days of the determination. If this appeal is not successful, then the physician subject to the ruling may appeal to the superior court, the district court of appeal, and finally the California Supreme Court. If no appeal is taken, the physician may petition the Medical Board of California for the reinstatement of a revoked license, reduction of any imposed penalty, or early termination of a probation period, depending upon the penalty that was imposed. Specific timelines guide each of these petitions.

If contacted by a Medical Board of California investigator or analyst, you should seek legal representation immediately.

Early intervention by an attorney with experience defending doctors is crucial to the successful resolution of an investigation or proposed disciplinary action. Call Kevin Cauley, P.C., now: 213-465-1153.