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 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that results in a disciplinary action or an accusation being filed by the Board, and the accusation is not subsequently withdrawn or dismissed.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.
- Any hospital disciplinary actions that resulted in the termination or revocation of the physician's privileges to provide healthcare services at a healthcare 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 reported to the Medical Board of California prior to January 1, 2007; and conviction of a misdemeanor 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.
