citation: BPC § 2027

text:
(a) The board shall post on its Internet Web site the following information on the current status of the license for all current and former licensees:

(1) Whether or not the licensee is presently in good standing.

(2) Current American Board of Medical Specialties certification or board equivalent as certified by the board.

(3) Any of the following enforcement actions or proceedings to which the licensee is actively subjected:

(A) Temporary restraining orders.

(B) Interim suspension orders.

(C) Revocations, suspensions, probations, or limitations on practice ordered by the board or the board of another state or jurisdiction, including those made part of a probationary order or stipulated agreement.

(D) Current accusations filed by the Attorney General, including those accusations that are on appeal. For purposes of this paragraph, “current accusation” means an accusation that has not been dismissed, withdrawn, or settled, and has not been finally decided upon by an administrative law judge and the board unless an appeal of that decision is pending.

(E) Citations issued that have not been resolved or appealed within 30 days.

(b) The board shall post on its Internet Web site all of the following historical information in its possession, custody, or control regarding all current and former licensees:

(1) Approved postgraduate training.

(2) Any final revocations and suspensions, or other equivalent actions, taken against the licensee by the board or the board of another state or jurisdiction or the surrender of a license by the licensee in relation to a disciplinary action or investigation, including the operative accusation resulting in the license surrender or discipline by the board.

(3) Probation or other equivalent action ordered by the board, or the board of another state or jurisdiction, completed or terminated, including the operative accusation resulting in the discipline by the board.

(4) Any felony convictions. Upon receipt of a certified copy of an expungement order granted pursuant to Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code from a licensee, the board shall, within six months of receipt of the expungement order, post notification of the expungement order and the date thereof on its Internet Web site.

(5) Misdemeanor convictions resulting in a disciplinary action or accusation that is not subsequently withdrawn or dismissed. Upon receipt of a certified copy of an expungement order granted pursuant to Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code from a licensee, the board shall, within six months of receipt of the expungement order, post notification of the expungement order and the date thereof on its Internet Web site.

(6) Civil judgments issued in any amount, whether or not vacated by a settlement after entry of the judgment, that were not reversed on appeal, and arbitration awards issued in any amount, for a claim or action for damages for death or personal injury caused by the physician and surgeon’s negligence, error, or omission in practice, or by his or her rendering of unauthorized professional services.

(7) Except as provided in subparagraphs (A) and (B), a summary of any final hospital disciplinary actions that resulted in the termination or revocation of a licensee's hospital staff privileges for a medical disciplinary cause or reason. The posting shall provide any additional explanatory or exculpatory information submitted by the licensee pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 805. The board shall also post on its Internet Web site a factsheet that explains and provides information on the reporting requirements under Section 805.

(A) If a licensee’s hospital staff privileges are restored and the licensee notifies the board of the restoration, the information pertaining to the termination or revocation of those privileges shall remain posted on the Internet Web site for a period of 10 years from the restoration date of the privileges, and at the end of that period shall be removed.

(B) If a court finds, in a final judgment, that peer review resulting in a hospital disciplinary action was conducted in bad faith and the licensee notifies the board of that finding, the information concerning that hospital disciplinary action posted on the Internet Web site shall be immediately removed. For purposes of this subparagraph, “peer review” has the same meaning as defined in Section 805.

(8) Public letters of reprimand issued within the past 10 years by the board or the board of another state or jurisdiction, including the operative accusation, if any, resulting in discipline by the board.

(9) Citations issued within the last three years that have been resolved by payment of the administrative fine or compliance with the order of abatement.

(10) All settlements within the last five years in the possession, custody, or control of the board shall be disclosed for a licensee in the low-risk category if there are three or more settlements for that licensee within the last five years, and for a licensee in the high-risk category if there are four or more settlements for that licensee within the last five years. Classification of a licensee in either a “high-risk category” or a “low-risk” category depends upon the specialty or subspecialty practiced by the licensee and the designation assigned to that specialty or subspecialty by the board pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 803.1.

(A) For the purposes of this paragraph, “settlement” means a settlement in an amount of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) or more of any claim or action for damages for death or personal injury caused by the physician and surgeon’s negligence, error, or omission in practice, or by his or her rendering of unauthorized professional services.

(B) For the purposes of this paragraph, “settlement” does not include a settlement by a licensee, regardless of the amount paid, when (i) the settlement is made as a part of the settlement of a class claim, (ii) the amount paid in settlement of the class claim is the same amount paid by the other licensees in the same class or similarly situated licensees in the same class, and (iii) the settlement was paid in the context of a case for which the complaint that alleged class liability on behalf of the licensee also alleged a products liability class action cause of action.

(C) The board shall not disclose the actual dollar amount of a settlement, but shall disclose settlement information in the same manner and with the same disclosures required under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 803.1.

(11) Appropriate disclaimers and explanatory statements to accompany the information described in paragraphs (1) to (10), inclusive, including an explanation of what types of information are not disclosed. These disclaimers and statements shall be developed by the board and shall be adopted by regulation.

(c) The board shall provide links to other Internet Web sites that provide information on board certifications that meet the requirements of subdivision (h) of Section 651. The board may also provide links to any other Internet Web sites that provide information on the affiliations of licensed physicians and surgeons. The board may provide links to other Internet Web sites on the Internet that provide information on health care service plans, health insurers, hospitals, or other facilities.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 285, Sec. 2. (AB 1886) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 1. Administration


kind: section

code: BPC

text:
(a) The board may establish a pilot program to expand the practice of telehealth in this state.

(b) To implement this pilot program, the board may convene a working group of interested parties from the public and private sectors, including, but not limited to, state health-related agencies, health care providers, health plan administrators, information technology groups, and groups representing health care consumers.

(c) The purpose of the pilot program shall be to develop methods, using a telehealth model, to deliver throughout the state health care to persons with chronic diseases as well as information on the best practices for chronic disease management services and techniques and other health care information as deemed appropriate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 275, Sec. 2. (AB 1420) Effective January 1, 2014.)

division: 2. HEALING ARTS

chapter: 5. Medicine

article: 1. Administration

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5. Medicine > 1. Administration


citation: BPC § 2030

text: The provisions of this chapter insofar as they are substantially the same as provisions relating to the same subject matter of previous medical practice acts shall be construed as restatements and continuations thereof, and not as new enactments.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1313, Sec. 2.)

article: 2. General Provisions

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5. Medicine > 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2031

text: The rights given by any certificate issued under any preceding medical practice act are not affected by the enactment of this chapter, nor by the repeal of any law upon which such rights are based, but such rights shall hereafter be exercised according to the provisions of this chapter.

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2032

text: “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or other organization, or any combination thereof, except that only natural persons shall be licensed under this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1010, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2033

text: “Professional” relates to the art and science of medicine and surgery and to such other arts and sciences as may be included within the field of medicine and surgery.

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2034

text: “Medical licensing authority” refers to any officer, board, commission, or department of another state upon whose certificate a reciprocity certificate may be issued.

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2036

text: Whenever a course of instruction is required for any certificate, it shall be satisfied by a resident course of medical instruction. Whenever a resident course of instruction is mentioned in this chapter, it shall be interpreted to mean classroom, laboratory, practical, and clinical instruction, received and given the person physically present, wherever prescribed as a part of his or her instruction and for the period prescribed for such instruction.

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2037

text: Whenever any requirement is provided for any certificate relating to a medical school or hospital, or any reference is made to a medical school or hospital, the medical school and hospital shall be ones approved by the Division of Licensing.

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2038

text: Whenever the words “diagnose” or “diagnosis” are used in this chapter, they include any undertaking by any method, device, or procedure whatsoever, and whether gratuitous or not, to ascertain or establish whether a person is suffering from any physical or mental disorder. Such terms shall also include the taking of a person’s blood pressure and the use of mechanical devices or machines for the purpose of making a diagnosis and representing to such person any conclusion regarding his or her physical or mental condition. Machines or mechanical devices for measuring or ascertaining height or weight are excluded from this section.

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2039

text: All certificates issued by the board shall state the extent and character of the practice which is permitted.

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2040

text: The terms “license” and “certificate” as used in this chapter are deemed to be synonomous.

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2041

text: The term “licensee” as used in this chapter means the holder of a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate or doctor of podiatric medicine’s certificate, as the case may be, who is engaged in the professional practice authorized by the certificate under the jurisdiction of the appropriate board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 678, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2042

text: Notwithstanding any other law, the Medical Board of California and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California shall require each applicant to furnish to the board a full set of fingerprints for purposes of conducting criminal history record checks. The board shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information required by the Department of Justice of all applicants, pursuant to subdivision (u) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code. The Department of Justice shall provide a state and federal response to the board pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code. The Department of Justice shall charge a fee sufficient to cover the cost of processing the fingerprints and response required by this section. The applicant shall be responsible for this cost.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 113, Sec. 1. (SB 160) Effective September 17, 2025.)

article: 2. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2050

text: The Division of Licensing shall issue one form of certificate to all physicians and surgeons licensed by the board which shall be designated as a “physician’s and surgeon’s certificate.”

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5. Medicine > 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2051

text: The physician’s and surgeon’s certificate authorizes the holder to use drugs or devices in or upon human beings and to sever or penetrate the tissues of human beings and to use any and all other methods in the treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, and other physical and mental conditions.

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2052

text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 146, any person who practices or attempts to practice, or who advertises or holds himself or herself out as practicing, any system or mode of treating the sick or afflicted in this state, or who diagnoses, treats, operates for, or prescribes for any ailment, blemish, deformity, disease, disfigurement, disorder, injury, or other physical or mental condition of any person, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, or unsuspended certificate as provided in this chapter or without being authorized to perform the act pursuant to a certificate obtained in accordance with some other provision of law is guilty of a public offense, punishable by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both the fine and either imprisonment.

(b) Any person who conspires with or aids or abets another to commit any act described in subdivision (a) is guilty of a public offense, subject to the punishment described in that subdivision.

(c) The remedy provided in this section shall not preclude any other remedy provided by law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 11. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Eligible patient” means a person who meets all of the following requirements:

(A) Has an immediately life-threatening disease or condition as defined in Section 111548.1 of the Health and Safety Code.

(B) Has given written informed consent for, or, if the person lacks the capacity to consent, their legally authorized representative has given written informed consent on their behalf for, both of the following:

(i) The use of an eligible out-of-state physician and surgeon’s telehealth health care services.

(ii) The release of certified medical records to their primary physician and surgeon by the out-of-state physician.

(C) Has not been accepted to participate in the clinical trial nearest to their home for the immediately life-threatening disease or condition identified in subparagraph (A) within one week of completion of the clinical trial application process, or, in the medical judgment of a physician and surgeon described in paragraph (3), it is unreasonable for the patient to participate in that clinical trial due to the patient’s current condition and stage of disease.

(D) Has documentation from their primary physician and surgeon attesting that they meet the requirements in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C). The primary physician and surgeon may withdraw the documentation if there is a substantial change in the patient’s mental capacity to make informed decisions for their own care unless their legally authorized representative has given written informed consent on their behalf.

(2) “Eligible out-of-state physician and surgeon” means a person who is licensed as a physician and surgeon in another state in good standing with no history of prior discipline, and whose medical expertise is that of the eligible patient’s illness.

(3) “Primary physician and surgeon” means a physician and surgeon licensed under the Medical Practice Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000)) or an osteopathic physician and surgeon licensed under the Osteopathic Act (Article 21 (commencing with Section 2450)).

(4) “Telehealth” has the same meaning as provided in Section 2290.5.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, an eligible out-of-state physician and surgeon may practice medicine in the state if the practice is limited to delivering health care via telehealth to an eligible patient.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 837, Sec. 2. (AB 1369) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who complies with the requirements of Section 2053.6 shall not be in violation of Section 2051 or 2052 unless that person does any of the following:

(1) Conducts surgery or any other procedure on another person that punctures the skin or harmfully invades the body.

(2) Administers or prescribes X-ray radiation to another person.

(3) Prescribes or administers legend drugs or controlled substances to another person.

(4) Recommends the discontinuance of legend drugs or controlled substances prescribed by an appropriately licensed practitioner.

(5) Willfully diagnoses and treats a physical or mental condition of any person under circumstances or conditions that cause or create a risk of great bodily harm, serious physical or mental illness, or death.

(6) Sets fractures.

(7) Treats lacerations or abrasions through electrotherapy.

(8) Holds out, states, indicates, advertises, or implies to a client or prospective client that he or she is a physician, a surgeon, or a physician and surgeon.

(b) A person who advertises any services that are not unlawful under Section 2051 or 2052 pursuant to subdivision (a) shall disclose in the advertisement that he or she is not licensed by the state as a healing arts practitioner.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 621, Sec. 24. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) A person who provides services pursuant to Section 2053.5 that are not unlawful under Section 2051 or 2052 shall, prior to providing those services, do the following:

(1) Disclose to the client in a written statement using plain language the following information:

(A) That he or she is not a licensed physician.

(B) That the treatment is alternative or complementary to healing arts services licensed by the state.

(C) That the services to be provided are not licensed by the state.

(D) The nature of the services to be provided.

(E) The theory of treatment upon which the services are based.

(F) His or her educational, training, experience, and other qualifications regarding the services to be provided.

(2) Obtain a written acknowledgment from the client stating that he or she has been provided with the information described in paragraph (1). The client shall be provided with a copy of the written acknowledgement, which shall be maintained by the person providing the service for three years.

(b) The information required by subdivision (a) shall be provided in a language that the client understands.

(c) Nothing in this section or in Section 2053.5 shall be construed to do the following:

(1) Affect the scope of practice of licensed physicians and surgeons.

(2) Limit the right of any person to seek relief for negligence or any other civil remedy against a person providing services subject to the requirements of this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 621, Sec. 25. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2054

text:
(a) Any person who uses in any sign, business card, or letterhead, or, in an advertisement, the words “doctor” or “physician,” the letters or prefix “Dr.,” the initials “M.D.” or “D.O.,” or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, or that the person is entitled to practice hereunder, or who represents or holds themselves out as a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor. No person shall use the words “doctor” or “physician,” the letters or prefix “Dr.,” the initials “M.D.” or “D.O.,” or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner in a health care setting that would lead a reasonable patient to determine that person is a licensed “M.D.” or “D.O.”

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any of the following persons may use the words “doctor” or “physician,” the letters or prefix “Dr.,” or the initials “M.D.” or “D.O.”:

(1) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school approved or recognized by the medical or osteopathic medical board while enrolled in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.

(2) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school who does not have a certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter if the individual meets all of the following requirements:

(A) If issued a license to practice medicine in any jurisdiction, has not had that license revoked or suspended by that jurisdiction.

(B) Does not otherwise hold themselves out as a physician and surgeon entitled to practice medicine in this state except to the extent authorized by this chapter.

(C) Does not engage in any of the acts prohibited by Section 2060.

(3) A person authorized to practice medicine under Section 2111 or 2113 subject to the limitations set forth in those sections.

(4) A person holding a current and active license under this division or any initiative act referred to in this division, to the extent the use of the title is consistent with the act governing the practice of that license.

(5) A person whose use of the word “doctor” or the prefix “Dr.” is not associated with any claim of entitlement to practice medicine or any other professional service for which the use of the title would be untrue or misleading pursuant to Section 17500.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 481, Sec. 7. (SB 1451) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2055

text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person issued a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate by the Medical Board of California pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be entitled to use of the initials “M.D.”

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 886, Sec. 19.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2056

text:
(a) The purpose of this section is to provide protection against retaliation for physicians who advocate for medically appropriate health care for their patients pursuant to Wickline v. State of California 192 Cal. App. 3d 1630.

(b) It is the public policy of the State of California that a physician and surgeon be encouraged to advocate for medically appropriate health care for his or her patients. For purposes of this section, “to advocate for medically appropriate health care” means to appeal a payor’s decision to deny payment for a service pursuant to the reasonable grievance or appeal procedure established by a medical group, independent practice association, preferred provider organization, foundation, hospital medical staff and governing body, or payer, or to protest a decision, policy, or practice that the physician, consistent with that degree of learning and skill ordinarily possessed by reputable physicians practicing according to the applicable legal standard of care, reasonably believes impairs the physician’s ability to provide medically appropriate health care to his or her patients.

(c) The application and rendering by any person of a decision to terminate an employment or other contractual relationship with, or otherwise penalize, a physician and surgeon principally for advocating for medically appropriate health care consistent with that degree of learning and skill ordinarily possessed by reputable physicians practicing according to the applicable legal standard of care violates the public policy of this state. No person shall terminate, retaliate against, or otherwise penalize a physician and surgeon for that advocacy, nor shall any person prohibit, restrict, or in any way discourage a physician and surgeon from communicating to a patient information in furtherance of medically appropriate health care.

(d) This section shall not be construed to prohibit a payer from making a determination not to pay for a particular medical treatment or service, or to prohibit a medical group, independent practice association, preferred provider organization, foundation, hospital medical staff, hospital governing body acting pursuant to Section 809.05, or payer from enforcing reasonable peer review or utilization review protocols or determining whether a physician has complied with those protocols.

(e) Medically appropriate health care in a hospital licensed pursuant to Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code shall be defined by the hospital medical staff and approved by the governing body, consistent with that degree of learning and skill ordinarily possessed by reputable physicians practicing according to the applicable legal standard of care.

(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the governing body of a hospital from taking disciplinary actions against a physician and surgeon as authorized by Sections 809.05, 809.4, and 809.5.

(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Medical Board of California from taking disciplinary actions against a physician and surgeon under Article 12 (commencing with Section 2220).

(h) For purposes of this section, “person” has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2032.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 260, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) The purpose of this section is to ensure that health care service plans and their contracting entities do not enter into contracts with physicians and surgeons or other licensed health care providers that interfere with any ethical responsibility or legal right of physicians and surgeons or other licensed health care providers to discuss with their patients information relevant to their patients’ health care. It is the intent of the Legislature to guarantee that a physician and surgeon or other licensed health care provider can communicate freely with, and act as advocate for, his or her patient.

(b) Health care service plans and their contracting entities shall not include provisions in their contracts that interfere with the ability of a physician and surgeon or other licensed health care provider to communicate with a patient regarding his or her health care, including, but not limited to, communications regarding treatment options, alternative plans, or other coverage arrangements. Nothing in this section shall preclude a contract provision that provides that a physician and surgeon, or other licensed health care provider, may not solicit for alternative coverage arrangements for the primary purpose of securing financial gain.

(c) Any contractual provision inconsistent with this section shall be void and unenforceable.

(d) For purposes of this section, “licensed health care provider” means any person licensed or certified pursuant to this division or licensed pursuant to the Osteopathic Initiative Act or the Chiropractic Initiative Act.

(e) No communication regarding treatment options shall be represented or construed to expand or revise the scope of benefits or covered services under a health care service plan or insurance contract.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1089, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2058

text:
(a) Nothing in this chapter prohibits service in the case of emergency, or the domestic administration of family remedies.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit obtaining a blood specimen by skin puncture for the purpose of performing blood glucose testing for the purposes of monitoring a minor child in accordance with paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 1241.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 550, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2060

text: Nothing in this chapter applies to any practitioner located outside this state, when in actual consultation, whether within this state or across state lines, with a licensed practitioner of this state, or when an invited guest of the California Medical Association or the California Podiatric Medical Association, or one of their component county societies, or of an approved medical or podiatric medical school or college for the sole purpose of engaging in professional education through lectures, clinics, or demonstrations, if he or she is, at the time of the consultation, lecture, or demonstration a licensed physician and surgeon or a licensed doctor of podiatric medicine in the state or country in which he or she resides. This practitioner shall not open an office, appoint a place to meet patients, receive calls from patients within the limits of this state, give orders, or have ultimate authority over the care or primary diagnosis of a patient who is located within this state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 607, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2061

text: Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as limiting the practice of other persons licensed, certified, or registered under any other provision of law relating to the healing arts when such person is engaged in his or her authorized and licensed practice.

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2062

text: Testing and guidance programs in schools, colleges, and universities and physical fitness tests given by public and private agencies in connection with employment or issuance or renewal of licenses or permits do not constitute the practice of medicine within the meaning or intent of this chapter.

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2063

text: Nothing in this chapter shall be construed so as to discriminate against any particular school of medicine or surgery, school or college of podiatric medicine, or any other treatment, nor shall it regulate, prohibit, or apply to any kind of treatment by prayer, nor interfere in any way with the practice of religion.

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2064

text:
(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a regularly matriculated student undertaking a course of professional instruction in an approved medical school, or to prevent a foreign medical student who is enrolled in an approved medical school or clinical training program in this state, from engaging in the practice of medicine whenever and wherever prescribed as a part of his or her course of study.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2020.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 23) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 775, Sec. 24. (SB 798) Effective January 1, 2018. Section operative January 1, 2020, by its own provisions.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text: Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2064 or any other provisions of this chapter, a regularly matriculated student undertaking a course of professional instruction in a medical school approved by the American Osteopathic Association or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California is eligible for enrollment in elective clerkships or preceptorships in any medical school or clinical training program in this state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 359, Sec. 10.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
No medical school or clinical training program shall deny access to elective clerkships or preceptorships in any medical school or clinical training program in this state solely on the basis that a student is enrolled in an osteopathic medical school.

Any violation of this section or Section 2064.1 may be enjoined in an action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the district attorney of the county in which the violation occurs, upon receipt of a complaint by an aggrieved student.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 425, Sec. 1.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, except as specified in subdivision (b), no student, including a person without lawful immigration status, a person who is exempt from nonresident tuition pursuant to Section 68130.5 of the Education Code, or a person who is both without lawful immigration status and exempt from nonresident tuition pursuant to Section 68130.5 of the Education Code, who meets the requirements for admission to a medical degree program at any public or private postsecondary educational institution that offers that program shall be denied admission to that program based on the student’s citizenship status or immigration status.

(b) Except for students granted status pursuant to Section 1101(a)(15)(T) or (U) of Title 8 of the United States Code, this section shall not apply to a person excluded from the term “immigrant,” for purposes of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Sec. 1101), pursuant to paragraph (15) of subdivision (a) of Section 1101 of Title 8 of the United States Code, as that paragraph exists on January 1, 2017.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 296, Sec. 2. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, except as specified in subdivision (b), no student, including a person without lawful immigration status, a person who is exempt from nonresident tuition pursuant to Section 68130.5 of the Education Code, or a person who is both without lawful immigration status and exempt from nonresident tuition pursuant to Section 68130.5 of the Education Code, who meets the requirements for admission to a healing arts residency training program whose participants are not paid shall be denied admission to that program based on the student’s citizenship status or immigration status.

(b) Except for students granted status pursuant to Section 1101(a)(15)(T) or (U) of Title 8 of the United States Code, this section shall not apply to a person excluded from the term “immigrant,” for purposes of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Section 1101), pursuant to paragraph (15) of subdivision (a) of Section 1101 of Title 8 of the United States Code, as that paragraph exists on January 1, 2017.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 296, Sec. 3. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) Within 180 days after beginning a board-approved postgraduate training program pursuant to Section 2065, medical school graduates shall obtain a physician’s and surgeon’s postgraduate training license. To be considered for a postgraduate training license, the applicant shall submit the application forms and primary source documents required by the board, shall successfully pass all required licensing examinations, shall pay a nonrefundable application and processing fee, and shall not have committed any act that would be grounds for denial.

(1) Each application submitted pursuant to this section shall be made upon an online electronic form, or another form provided by the board, and each application form shall contain a legal verification by the applicant certifying under penalty of perjury that the information provided by the applicant is true and correct and that any information in supporting documents provided by the applicant is true and correct.

(2) Each application shall include the following:

(A) A diploma issued by a board-approved medical school. The requirements of the school shall not have been less than those required under this chapter at the time the diploma was granted or by any preceding medical practice act at the time that the diploma was granted. In lieu of a diploma, the applicant may submit evidence satisfactory to the board of having possessed the same.

(B) An official transcript or other official evidence satisfactory to the board showing each approved medical school in which a resident course of professional instruction was pursued covering the minimum requirements for certification as a physician and surgeon, and that a diploma and degree were granted by the school.

(C) Other information concerning the professional instruction and preliminary education of the applicant as the board may require.

(D) An affidavit showing to the satisfaction of the board that the applicant is the person named in each diploma and transcript that the applicant submits, that the applicant is the lawful holder thereof, and that the diploma or transcript was procured in the regular course of professional instruction and examination without fraud or misrepresentation.

(E) Either fingerprint cards or a copy of a completed Live Scan form from the applicant.

(F) If the medical school graduate graduated from a foreign medical school approved by the board pursuant to Section 2084, an official Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certification Status Report confirming the graduate is ECFMG certified.

(b) Any physician’s and surgeon’s postgraduate training license in an active status issued on or after January 1, 2020, shall be valid for a period of 36 months. The physician’s and surgeon’s postgraduate training licensee may engage in the practice of medicine only in connection with the licensee’s duties as an intern or resident physician in a board-approved program, including its affiliated sites, or under those conditions as are approved in writing and maintained in the postgraduate licensee’s file by the director of the program.

(c) The postgraduate training licensee may engage in the practice of medicine in locations authorized by subdivision (b), and as permitted by the Medical Practice Act and other applicable statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Diagnose and treat patients.

(2) Prescribe medications without a cosigner, including prescriptions for controlled substances, if the licensee has the appropriate Drug Enforcement Agency registration or permit and is registered with the Department of Justice CURES program.

(3) Sign birth certificates without a cosigner.

(4) Sign death certificates without a cosigner.

(5) Sign any other forms a physician and surgeon is authorized to sign.

(d) The postgraduate training licensee may be disciplined by the board at any time for any of the grounds that would subject the holder of a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate to discipline.

(e) If the medical school graduate fails to obtain a postgraduate license within 180 days after beginning a board-approved postgraduate training program or if the board denies the graduate’s application for a postgraduate license, all privileges and exemptions under this section shall automatically cease.

(f) Each medical school graduate who was issued a postgraduate training authorization letter by the board prior to January 1, 2020, and is enrolled in a board-approved postgraduate training program by April 30, 2025, will be issued a postgraduate training license automatically by June 30, 2020, or by June 30 of the year following initial enrollment into a board-approved postgraduate training program, whichever is earlier, upon proof of enrollment in the postgraduate training program.

(g) The board shall confidentially destroy the file of each medical school graduate who was issued a postgraduate training authorization letter by the board prior to January 1, 2020, who did not enroll in a postgraduate training program by April 30, 2025.

(h) The Medical Board of California and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information required by the Department of Justice of all applicants for the postgraduate training license, as defined in this section, to determine whether the applicant has a criminal conviction record in this state or in any other jurisdiction, including foreign countries, pursuant to Section 2042. The Department of Justice shall provide a state- and federal-level response in accordance with subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code for the board to determine whether the applicant is subject to denial of licensure under the provisions of Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475) and Section 2221.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 113, Sec. 2. (SB 160) Effective September 17, 2025.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text: Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 2064.5, the expiration date for any postgraduate training license that expires after June 1, 2023, and before December 31, 2023, shall be extended to March 31, 2024.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 196, Sec. 3. (SB 143) Effective September 13, 2023.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) The board may deny a postgraduate training license to an applicant guilty of unprofessional conduct or of any cause that would subject a licensee to revocation or suspension of his or her license. The board, in its sole discretion, may issue a probationary postgraduate training license to an applicant subject to terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, any of the following conditions of probation:

(1) Limitations on practice.

(2) Total or partial restrictions on drug prescribing privileges for controlled substances.

(3) Continuing medical or psychiatric treatment.

(4) Ongoing participation in a specified rehabilitation program.

(5) Abstention from the use of alcohol or drugs.

(6) Restrictions against engaging in certain types of medical practice.

(7) Compliance with all provisions of this chapter.

(8) Payment of the cost of probation monitoring.

(b) The decision placing the applicant on probation shall be disclosed to an inquiring member of the public indefinitely and shall be posted on the board’s Internet Web site for the period of probation.

(c) The board may modify or terminate the terms and conditions imposed on the probationary postgraduate training license after one year upon receipt of a petition from the postgraduate training licensee. The board may assign the petition to an administrative law judge designated in Section 11371 of the Government Code. After a hearing on the petition, the administrative law judge shall provide a proposed decision to the board.

(d) The board shall deny a postgraduate training license to an applicant who is required to register pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code. This subdivision does not apply to an applicant who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code solely because of a misdemeanor conviction under Section 314 of the Penal Code.

(e) An applicant shall not be eligible to reapply for a postgraduate training license for a minimum of three years from the effective date of the denial of his or her application, except that the board may, in its discretion and for good cause demonstrated, permit reapplication after not less than one year has elapsed from the effective date of the denial.

(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2020.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 775, Sec. 26. (SB 798) Effective January 1, 2018. Section operative January 1, 2020, by its own provisions.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 2064.7, the board may issue a postgraduate training license to an applicant who has committed minor violations that the board deems, in its discretion, do not merit the denial of a postgraduate training license or require probationary status under Section 2064.7, and may concurrently issue a public letter of reprimand. The public reprimand may include a requirement that the licensee complete relevant educational courses approved by the board.

(b) A public letter of reprimand issued concurrently with a postgraduate training license shall be purged three years from the date of issuance.

(c) A public letter of reprimand issued pursuant to this section shall be disclosed to an inquiring member of the public and shall be posted on the board’s Internet Web site until purged consistent with this section.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the board’s authority to issue an unrestricted postgraduate training license.

(e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2020.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 775, Sec. 27. (SB 798) Effective January 1, 2018. Section operative January 1, 2020, by its own provisions.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2065

text:
(a) Unless otherwise provided by law, a postgraduate training licensee, intern, resident, postdoctoral fellow, or instructor shall not engage in the practice of medicine, or receive compensation therefor, or offer to engage in the practice of medicine unless they hold a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended physician’s and surgeon’s certificate issued by the board. However, a graduate of an approved medical school may engage in the practice of medicine whenever and wherever required as a part of a postgraduate training program under the following conditions:

(1) The medical school graduate has taken and passed the board-approved medical licensing examinations required to qualify the applicant to participate in an approved postgraduate training program.

(2) If the medical school graduate graduated from a foreign medical school approved by the board pursuant to Section 2084, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) has submitted an official ECFMG Certification Status Report directly to the board confirming the graduate is ECFMG certified.

(3) The medical school graduate is enrolled in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.

(4) The board-approved postgraduate training program has submitted the required board-approved form to the board documenting the medical school graduate is enrolled in an approved postgraduate training program.

(5) The medical school graduate obtains a physician’s and surgeon’s postgraduate training license in accordance with Section 2064.5.

(b) A medical school graduate enrolled in an approved postgraduate training program in accordance with this section may engage in the practice of medicine whenever and wherever required as a part of the training program, and may receive compensation for that practice.

(c) A graduate from a medical school approved pursuant to Section 2084 who is engaged in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited postgraduate training program outside of California may, as a participant in guest rotations in an approved postgraduate training program in California or a participating training site affiliated with an ACGME-accredited program, engage in the practice of medicine whenever and wherever required as part of that training program, not to exceed a total of 90 days for all rotations, and may receive compensation for that practice without obtaining a physician’s and surgeon’s postgraduate training license in accordance with Section 2064.5.

(d) All approved postgraduate training the medical school graduate has successfully completed in the United States or Canada shall count toward the postgraduate training requirement to obtain a physician’s and surgeon’s license under Section 2096.

(e) The program director for an approved postgraduate training program in California shall report to the board, on a form approved by the board, and provide any supporting documents as required by the board, the following actions within 30 days of the action:

(1) A postgraduate training licensee is notified that they have received partial or no credit for a period of postgraduate training, and their postgraduate training period is extended.

(2) A postgraduate training licensee takes a leave of absence or any break from their postgraduate training, and they are notified that their postgraduate training period is extended.

(3) A postgraduate training licensee is terminated from the postgraduate training program.

(4) A postgraduate training licensee resigns, dies, or otherwise leaves the postgraduate training program.

(5) A postgraduate training licensee has completed a one-year contract approved by the postgraduate training program.

(f) Upon review of supporting documentation, the board, in its discretion, may grant an extension beyond 36 months to a postgraduate training licensee who graduated from a medical school approved by the board pursuant to Section 2084 to receive credit for the 12 months of required approved postgraduate training for graduates of medical schools in the United States and Canada and 24 months of required approved postgraduate training for graduates of foreign medical schools other than Canadian medical schools.

(g) An applicant for a physician’s and surgeon’s license who has either graduated from medical school in the United States or Canada and has received 12 months credit of board-approved postgraduate training in another state or in Canada, or has graduated from a foreign medical school approved by the board pursuant to Section 2084 and has received 24 months credit of board-approved postgraduate training and who is accepted into an approved postgraduate training program in California shall obtain their physician’s and surgeon’s license within 180 days after beginning that postgraduate training program or all privileges and exemptions under this section shall automatically cease.

(h) Upon review of supporting documentation, the board, in its discretion, may grant a physician’s and surgeon’s license to an applicant who demonstrates substantial compliance with this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 294, Sec. 8.5. (SB 815) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) The program authorized by this section shall be known and may be cited as the University of California at Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine’s International Medical Graduate Program.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a foreign medical graduate from engaging in the practice of medicine when required as part of the program authorized by this section.

(c) There is currently a preresidency training program at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, hereafter referred to as UCLA, for selected international medical graduates (IMGs). Participation in the program authorized by this section shall be at the option of UCLA. This section authorizes those IMGs, through the program authorized by this section, to receive, through the existing program, hands-on clinical instruction. The program, as administered by UCLA, shall include all of the following elements:

(1) Each program participant shall have done all of the following:

(A) Graduated from a medical school recognized by the Medical Board of California at the time of selection.

(B) Taken and passed the United States Medical Licensing Examination Steps 1 and 2 (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Science).

(C) Submitted an application and materials to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.

(2) A program participant shall receive all clinical instruction at health care facilities operated by the University of California, Los Angeles, or other approved UCLA-designated teaching sites, which shall be hospitals or clinics with either a signed formal affiliation agreement with UCLA or a signed letter of agreement.

(3) Participation of a trainee in clinical instruction offered by the program shall not generally exceed 16 weeks. However, at the discretion of UCLA, an additional eight weeks of clinical instruction may be granted. In no event shall a participant receive more than 24 weeks of clinical instruction under the program.

(4) The clinical instruction shall be supervised by licensed physicians on faculty at UCLA or faculty affiliated with UCLA as specified in an approved affiliation agreement between UCLA and the affiliated entity.

(5) The clinical instruction shall be provided pursuant to written affiliation agreements for clinical instruction of trainees established by UCLA.

(6) The supervising faculty shall evaluate each participant on a regular basis and shall document the completion of each aspect of the clinical instruction portion of the program for each participant.

(d) UCLA shall provide the board with the names of the participants in the program on an annual basis, or more frequently if necessary to maintain accuracy. Upon a reasonable request of the board, UCLA shall provide additional information such as the courses successfully completed by program participants, the dates of instruction, and other relevant information.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 144, Sec. 1. (AB 2311) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2068

text:
This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit any person from providing nutritional advice or giving advice concerning proper nutrition. However, this section confers no authority to practice medicine or surgery or to undertake the prevention, treatment, or cure of disease, pain, injury, deformity, or physical or mental conditions or to state that any product might cure any disease, disorder, or condition in violation of any provision of law.

For purposes of this section the terms “providing nutritional advice or giving advice concerning proper nutrition” means the giving of information as to the use and role of food and food ingredients, including dietary supplements.

Any person in commercial practice providing nutritional advice or giving advice concerning proper nutrition shall post in an easily visible and prominent place the following statement in his or her place of business:

“NOTICE” “State law allows any person to provide nutritional advice or give advice concerning proper nutrition—which is the giving of advice as to the role of food and food ingredients, including dietary supplements. This state law does NOT confer authority to practice medicine or to undertake the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease, pain, deformity, injury, or physical or mental condition and specifically does not authorize any person other than one who is a licensed health practitioner to state that any product might cure any disease, disorder, or condition.”

The notice required by this section shall not be smaller than 812 inches by 11 inches and shall be legibly printed with lettering no smaller than12 inch in length, except the lettering of the word “NOTICE” shall not be smaller than 1 inch in length.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1313, Sec. 2.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2069

text:
(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, a medical assistant may administer medication only by intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections and perform skin tests and additional technical supportive services upon the specific authorization and supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon or a licensed podiatrist. A medical assistant may also perform all these tasks and services upon the specific authorization of a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife.

(2) The supervising physician and surgeon may, at his or her discretion, in consultation with the nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant, provide written instructions to be followed by a medical assistant in the performance of tasks or supportive services. These written instructions may provide that the supervisory function for the medical assistant for these tasks or supportive services may be delegated to the nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant within the standardized procedures or protocol, and that tasks may be performed when the supervising physician and surgeon is not onsite, if either of the following apply:

(A) The nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife is functioning pursuant to standardized procedures, as defined by Section 2725, or protocol. The standardized procedures or protocol, including instructions for specific authorizations, shall be developed and approved by the supervising physician and surgeon and the nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife.

(B) The physician assistant is functioning pursuant to regulated services defined in Section 3502, including instructions for specific authorizations, and is approved to do so by the supervising physician and surgeon.

(b) As used in this section and Sections 2070 and 2071, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Medical assistant” means a person who may be unlicensed, who performs basic administrative, clerical, and technical supportive services in compliance with this section and Section 2070 for a licensed physician and surgeon or a licensed podiatrist, or group thereof, for a medical or podiatry corporation, for a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife as provided in subdivision (a), or for a health care service plan, who is at least 18 years of age, and who has had at least the minimum amount of hours of appropriate training pursuant to standards established by the board. The medical assistant shall be issued a certificate by the training institution or instructor indicating satisfactory completion of the required training. A copy of the certificate shall be retained as a record by each employer of the medical assistant.

(2) “Specific authorization” means a specific written order prepared by the supervising physician and surgeon or the supervising podiatrist, or the physician assistant, the nurse practitioner, or the certified nurse-midwife as provided in subdivision (a), authorizing the procedures to be performed on a patient, which shall be placed in the patient’s medical record, or a standing order prepared by the supervising physician and surgeon or the supervising podiatrist, or the physician assistant, the nurse practitioner, or the certified nurse-midwife as provided in subdivision (a), authorizing the procedures to be performed, the duration of which shall be consistent with accepted medical practice. A notation of the standing order shall be placed on the patient’s medical record.

(3) “Supervision” means the supervision of procedures authorized by this section by the following practitioners, within the scope of their respective practices, who shall be physically present in the treatment facility during the performance of those procedures:

(A) A licensed physician and surgeon.

(B) A licensed podiatrist.

(C) A physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse-midwife as provided in subdivision (a).

(4) (A) “Technical supportive services” means simple routine medical tasks and procedures that may be safely performed by a medical assistant who has limited training and who functions under the supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon or a licensed podiatrist, or a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife as provided in subdivision (a).

(B) Notwithstanding any other law, in a facility licensed by the California State Board of Pharmacy under Section 4180 or 4190, other than a facility operated by the state, “technical supportive services” also includes handing to a patient a prepackaged prescription drug, excluding a controlled substance, that is labeled in compliance with Section 4170 and all other applicable state and federal laws and ordered by a licensed physician and surgeon, a licensed podiatrist, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife in accordance with subdivision (a). In every instance, prior to handing the medication to a patient pursuant to this subparagraph, the properly labeled and prepackaged prescription drug shall have the patient’s name affixed to the package and a licensed physician and surgeon, a licensed podiatrist, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife shall verify that it is the correct medication and dosage for that specific patient and shall provide the appropriate patient consultation regarding use of the drug.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing any of the following:

(1) The licensure of medical assistants.

(2) The administration of local anesthetic agents by a medical assistant.

(3) The board to adopt any regulations that violate the prohibitions on diagnosis or treatment in Section 2052.

(4) A medical assistant to perform any clinical laboratory test or examination for which he or she is not authorized by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1200).

(5) A nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant to be a laboratory director of a clinical laboratory, as those terms are defined in paragraph (8) of subdivision (a) of Section 1206 and subdivision (a) of Section 1209.

(d) A nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant shall not authorize a medical assistant to perform any clinical laboratory test or examination for which the medical assistant is not authorized by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1200). A violation of this subdivision constitutes unprofessional conduct.

(e) Notwithstanding any other law, a medical assistant shall not be employed for inpatient care in a licensed general acute care hospital, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 333, Sec. 1. (AB 1841) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2070

text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a medical assistant may perform venipuncture or skin puncture for the purposes of withdrawing blood upon specific authorization and under the supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon or a licensed podiatrist, or a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, or a nurse-midwife as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 2069, if prior thereto the medical assistant has had at least the minimum amount of hours of appropriate training pursuant to standards established by the Division of Licensing. The medical assistant shall be issued a certificate by the training institution or instructor indicating satisfactory completion of the training required. A copy of the certificate shall be retained as a record by each employer of the medical assistant.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 358, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2071

text: The board shall adopt and administer regulations that establish standards for technical supportive services that may be performed by a medical assistant. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the board from amending or repealing regulations covering medical assistants. The board shall, prior to the adoption of any regulations, request recommendations regarding these standards from appropriate public agencies, including, but not limited to, the California State Board of Optometry, the Board of Registered Nursing, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, the Laboratory Field Services division of the State Department of Public Health, those divisions of the State Department of Education that pertain to private postsecondary education and career and vocational preparation, the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, the California Board of Podiatric Medicine, the Physician Assistant Examining Committee, and the Physical Therapy Board of California. The board shall also request recommendations regarding these standards from associations of medical assistants, physicians and surgeons, nurses, doctors of podiatric medicine, physician assistants, physical therapists, laboratory technologists, optometrists, and others as the board finds appropriate, including, but not limited to, the California Optometric Association, the California Nurses Association, the California Medical Association, the California Society of Medical Assistants, the California Medical Assistants Association, and the California Physical Therapy Association. Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or modify that portion of the Administrative Procedure Act that relates to the procedure for the adoption of regulations and which is set forth in Article 5 (commencing with Section 11346) of Chapter 3.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 16. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2074

text: Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the employment of a licensed physician and surgeon practicing in the specialty of ophthalmology by an optometrist licensed under the provisions of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 3000) or by an optometric corporation certificated under that chapter.

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2075

text:
The performance of acupuncture by a certified acupuncturist or other licentiate legally authorized to practice acupuncture within his or her scope of practice or a person licensed or certified in another state to perform acupuncture or other forms of traditional Asian medicine, alone or in conjunction with other forms of traditional Asian medicine, when carried on in a program affiliated with and under the jurisdiction of an approved medical school or approved acupuncture school, for the primary purpose of scientific investigation of acupuncture, shall not be in violation of this chapter, but those procedures shall be carried on only under the supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon.

Any medical school or approved acupuncture school conducting research into acupuncture under this section shall report to the Legislature annually on the fifth legislative day of the regular session of the Legislature concerning the results of that research, the suitability of acupuncture as a therapeutic technique, and performance standards for persons who perform acupuncture.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 649, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2076

text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a physician and surgeon who is licensed to practice medicine in another state or country shall be exempt from licensure requirements under this act while practicing medicine in this state if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The physician and surgeon has an oral or written agreement with a sports team to provide general or emergency medical care to the team members, coaching staff, and families traveling with the team for a specific sporting event to take place in this state.

(2) Except as provided in Section 2058 or 2060, the physician and surgeon may not provide care or consultation to any person residing in this state, other than a person described in paragraph (1).

(b) The exemption shall remain in force while the physician and surgeon is traveling with the team, but shall be no longer than 10 days per individual sporting event.

(c) The executive director may grant a physician and surgeon additional time for exemption, up to 20 additional days per sporting event, upon prior request by the physician and surgeon. The total number of days a physician may be exempt, including additional time granted upon request, may not exceed 30 days per sporting event.

(d) A physician and surgeon who is exempt from licensure requirements under this section is not authorized to practice medicine at a health care clinic or facility, including an acute care facility.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 78, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a physician and surgeon lawfully practicing medicine in another state or country may be exempted from licensure while practicing medicine in this state under the following conditions:

(1) The physician and surgeon has been invited by the United States Olympic Committee to provide medical services at training sites designated by the olympic training center or to provide medical services at an event in this state sanctioned by the committee.

(2) The United States Olympic Committee certifies to the board the name of the physician and surgeon, the state or country of the applicant’s licensure, and the dates within which the applicant has been invited to provide medical services.

(3) The physician and surgeon’s practice is limited to that required by the United States Olympic Committee. Those medical services shall be within the area of the physician’s and surgeon’s competence and shall only be provided to athletes or team personnel registered to train at the olympic training center or registered to compete in an event conducted under the sanction of the United States Olympic Committee.

(b) The exemption provided in this section shall remain in force while the holder is providing medical services at the invitation of the United States Olympic Committee and only during the time certified to the board, but in no event longer than 90 days.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the official team manager who is responsible for any team member participating in events at the invitation of the United States Olympic Committee in California may give consent to the furnishing of hospital, medical, and surgical care to a minor who is a team member and that consent shall not be subject to disaffirmance because of minority. The consent of the parent, or parents, of that person shall not be necessary in order to authorize hospital, medical, and surgical care.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 654, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2077

text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a physician and surgeon may delegate various orthopaedic medical tasks to individuals who have completed training as orthopaedic physician assistants and who are working under the supervision and direction of a physician and surgeon. Those assistants who perform only those tasks which may under existing law be so delegated shall not be required to be licensed as physician assistants under Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 3500).

(b) As used in this section, “orthopaedic physician assistant” means an individual who meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Successful completion of training as an orthopaedic physician assistant from an approved California orthopaedic physician assistant’s program in any year between 1971 and 1974, inclusive. As used in this section, “approved California orthopaedic physician assistant’s program” means an orthopaedic physician assistant’s course of training that has been accredited by the American Medical Association Council on Medical Education.

(2) Continuous experience as an orthopaedic physician assistant upon completion of the program described in paragraph (1), which may include experience in the United States Armed Services.

(3) Successful fulfillment of the certification requirements of the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Physician Assistants.

(c) Nothing in this section shall authorize any individual to hold himself or herself out as a licensed physician assistant in violation of Section 3503.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1030, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2078

text:
(a) As used in this section, “DMSO” means dimethyl sulfoxide.

(b) A licensed physician and surgeon shall, prior to treating a patient with a DMSO preparation, inform the patient in writing if DMSO has not been approved as a treatment or cure by the Food and Drug Administration for the disorder for which it is being prescribed.

(c) If DMSO is prescribed for any purpose other than for those purposes approved pursuant to Section 111550 of the Health and Safety Code, informed consent shall first be obtained from the patient.

As used in this subdivision, “informed consent” means the authorization given by the patient for treatment with DMSO after each of the following conditions have been satisfied:

(1) The patient is informed verbally, in nontechnical terms, about all of the following:

(A) A description of treatment procedures to be used in administering DMSO.

(B) A description of any attendant discomfort and risks to the patient that can be reasonably expected from treatment with DMSO.

(C) An explanation of any benefits to the patient that can be reasonably expected.

(D) An explanation of any appropriate alternative procedures, drugs, or devices that might be advantageous to the patient, and their relative risks and benefits.

(E) An offer to answer any inquiries concerning the treatment of the procedures involved.

(2) The patient signs and dates a written consent form acknowledging that disclosure has been given pursuant to paragraph (1), and acknowledging consent to treatment with DMSO pursuant to this section. The patient shall be provided with a copy of the signed and dated form.

(d) An organized health care system may require that the administration of DMSO within the organized health care system be performed pursuant to standardized procedures developed by the organized health care system through collaboration among administrators and health professionals.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. License Required and Exemptions


citation: BPC § 2080

text:
(a) Except as otherwise provided, the provisions of this article applicable to applications generally shall apply to all certificates issued.

(b) Every applicant for a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate shall comply with the requirements of this article unless other specific requirements of this chapter are applicable to a particular class of applicant.

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5. Medicine > 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2081

text: Each application submitted shall be made upon an electronic online form, or on another form provided by the board, and each application form shall contain a legal verification by the applicant certifying under penalty of perjury that the information provided by the applicant is true and correct and that any information in supporting documents provided by the applicant is true and correct.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 649, Sec. 8. (SB 806) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2082

text:
(a) Each application shall include the following:

(1) A diploma issued by an approved medical school. The requirements of the school shall have been at the time of granting the diploma in no degree less than those required under this chapter or by any preceding medical practice act at the time that the diploma was granted. In lieu of a diploma, the applicant may submit evidence satisfactory to the board of having possessed the same.

(2) An official transcript or other official evidence satisfactory to the board showing each approved medical school in which a resident course of professional instruction was pursued covering the minimum requirements for certification as a physician and surgeon, and that a diploma and degree were granted by the school.

(3) Other information concerning the professional instruction and preliminary education of the applicant as the board may require.

(4) Proof of passage of the written examinations as provided under Article 9 (commencing with Section 2170) with a score acceptable to the board.

(5) Proof of satisfactory completion of the postgraduate training required under Section 2096 on a form approved by the board.

(6) An affidavit showing to the satisfaction of the board that the applicant is the person named in each diploma and transcript that they have submitted, that they are the lawful holder thereof, and that the diploma or transcript was procured in the regular course of professional instruction and examination without fraud or misrepresentation.

(7) Either fingerprint cards or a copy of a completed Live Scan form from the applicant.

(8) Beginning January 1, 2020, if the applicant attended a foreign medical school approved by the board pursuant to Section 2084, an official Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certification Status Report submitted by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates confirming the graduate is ECFMG certified.

(9) Beginning January 1, 2020, if the applicant attended a foreign medical school approved by the board pursuant to Section 2084, official evidence satisfactory to the board of completion of all formal requirements of the medical school for graduation, except the applicant shall not be required to have completed an internship or social service or be admitted or licensed to practice medicine in the country in which the professional instruction was completed.

(b) The Medical Board of California and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information required by the Department of Justice of all applicants for the physician’s and surgeon’s certificate, as defined by Section 2050, to determine whether the applicant has a criminal conviction record in this state or in any other jurisdiction, including foreign countries, pursuant to Section 2042. The Department of Justice shall provide a state- and federal-level response in accordance with subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code for the board to determine whether the applicant is subject to denial of licensure under the provisions of Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475) and Section 2221.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 113, Sec. 3. (SB 160) Effective September 17, 2025.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2083

text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), each application for a certificate shall be accompanied by the fee required by this chapter and shall be filed with the Division of Licensing.

(b) The license fee shall be waived for a physician and surgeon who certifies to the Medical Board of California that the issuance of the license is for the sole purpose of providing voluntary, unpaid service.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 239, Sec. 1. (SB 1261) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2084

text:
(a) Medical schools accredited by a national accrediting agency approved by the board and recognized by the United States Department of Education shall be deemed approved by the board.

(b) The board shall determine a foreign medical school to be a recognized medical school if the foreign medical school meets any of the following requirements:

(1) The foreign medical school has been evaluated by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or one of the ECFMG-authorized foreign medical school accreditation agencies and deemed to meet the minimum requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools, or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.

(2) The foreign medical school is listed on the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) World Directory of Medical Schools joint directory or the World Directory of Medical Schools.

(3) The foreign medical school had been previously approved by the board. The prior approval shall only be valid for a maximum of seven years from the date of enactment of this section.

(c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2020.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 35) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 775, Sec. 36. (SB 798) Effective January 1, 2018. Section operative January 1, 2020, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a medical school or medical school program accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools, or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation shall be deemed to meet the requirements of Section 2084.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2020.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 37) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 775, Sec. 38. (SB 798) Effective January 1, 2018. Section operative January 1, 2020, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2086

text: The Division of Licensing may utilize medical consultants and investigators employed by the board pursuant to Section 2020 to evaluate the curricula of medical schools. A medical consultant or investigator shall meet such reasonable standards of experience and education, to be determined by the division, as will enable him or her to competently perform such duties of evaluation.

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2087

text: If any applicant for licensure is rejected by the board, then the applicant may commence an action in the superior court as provided in Section 2019 against the board to compel it to issue the applicant a certificate or for any other appropriate relief. If the applicant is denied a certificate on the grounds of unprofessional conduct, the provisions of Article 12 (commencing with Section 2220) shall apply. In such an action the court shall proceed under Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that the court may not exercise an independent judgment on the evidence. The action shall be speedily determined by the court and shall take precedence over all matters pending therein except criminal cases, applications for injunction, or other matters to which special precedence may be given by law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 775, Sec. 40. (SB 798) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2088

text:
(a) An applicant for a physician’s and surgeon’s license or a physician’s and surgeon’s licensee who is otherwise eligible for that license but is unable to practice some aspects of medicine safely due to a disability may receive a limited license if he or she does both of the following:

(1) Pays the appropriate initial or renewal license fee.

(2) Signs an agreement on a form prescribed by the board in which the applicant or licensee agrees to limit his or her practice in the manner prescribed by the reviewing physician and agreed to by the board.

(b) The board may require the applicant or licensee described in subdivision (a) to obtain an independent clinical evaluation of his or her ability to practice medicine safely as a condition of receiving a limited license under this section.

(c) Any person who knowingly provides false information in the agreement submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be subject to any sanctions available to the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 303, Sec. 1. (AB 2745) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2090

text:
(a) The board shall not require an applicant for a physician’s and surgeon’s license or a physician’s and surgeon’s postgraduate training license to disclose either of the following:

(1) A condition or disorder that does not impair the applicant’s ability to practice medicine safely.

(2) A condition or disorder for which the applicant is receiving appropriate treatment and which, as a result of the treatment, does not impair the applicant’s ability to practice medicine safely.

(b) This section does not prohibit the board from requiring an applicant to disclose participation in a mental health or substance use disorder treatment program, including an impaired practitioner program, resulting from an accusation or disciplinary action brought by a licensing board in or outside of California.

(c) If an applicant discloses that they currently have a condition or disorder that impairs their ability to practice medicine safely, the board shall provide the applicant with information on the availability of a probationary or limited practice license.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 952, Sec. 1. (AB 2164) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2092

text:
(a) The board shall develop a process to give priority review status to the application of an applicant for a physician and surgeon’s certificate who can demonstrate that they intend to practice in a medically underserved area or serve a medically underserved population as defined in Section 128552 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) An applicant may demonstrate their intent to practice in a medically underserved area or serve a medically underserved population by providing proper documentation, including, but not limited to, a letter from the employer indicating that the applicant has accepted employment and stating the start date.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 625, Sec. 3. (SB 1443) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2096

text:
(a) In addition to other requirements of this chapter, before a physician’s and surgeon’s license may be issued, each applicant, including an applicant applying pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 2105), shall show by evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has received credit for at least 12 months of board-approved postgraduate training for graduates of medical schools in the United States and Canada or 24 months of board-approved postgraduate training for graduates of foreign medical schools approved by the board pursuant to Section 2084 other than Canadian medical schools, pursuant to the attestation of the program director, designated institutional official, or delegated authority for the approved postgraduate training program where the applicant participated.

(b) The postgraduate training required by this section shall be obtained in a postgraduate training program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in the United States, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) in Canada, or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) in Canada.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 294, Sec. 9. (SB 815) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2097

text:
(a) In addition to other requirements of this chapter, before a physician’s and surgeon’s license may be renewed, at the time of initial renewal, a physician and surgeon shall show evidence satisfactory to the board that the licensee has received credit for at least 36 months of board-approved postgraduate training, pursuant to the attestation of the program director, designated institutional official, or delegated authority for the approved postgraduate training program where the applicant participated, except licensees or applicants who meet the requirements of Section 2135, 2135.5, 2151, 2428, or by a licensee or applicant using clinical practice in an appointment under Section 2113 as qualifying time to meet the postgraduate training requirements in Section 2065.

(b) A physician’s and surgeon’s certificate shall be automatically placed in delinquent status by the board if the holder of a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate does not show evidence satisfactory to the board that the physician and surgeon has received credit for at least 36 months of board-approved postgraduate training before the licensee’s initial license expiration. The board may grant an additional 60 days to the initial license expiration date authorized under Section 2423.

(c) A licensee who has received credit for at least 24 months of approved postgraduate training in an oral and maxillofacial surgery postgraduate training program after receiving a medical degree from a combined dental and medical degree program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), shall show evidence of completion of this training satisfactory to the board at the time of initial renewal, before their physician’s and surgeon’s license may be renewed, pursuant to the attestation of the program director, designated institutional official, or delegated authority for the approved postgraduate training program where the licensee participated.

(d) Upon review of supporting documentation, the board, in its discretion, may renew a physician’s and surgeon’s license to an applicant who has demonstrated substantial compliance with this section.

(e) A physician whose license is canceled or who surrenders their license prior to meeting the renewal requirements under subdivision (a) may not have their license reinstated under Section 2428 without meeting current renewal requirements under subdivision (a), except licenses originally issued under Section 2135, 2135.5, 2151, or licensees that used qualifying time under Section 2113 to meet the postgraduate training requirements in Section 2065.

(f) This section shall only apply to individuals issued a license by the board on or after January 1, 2022.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 294, Sec. 10. (SB 815) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


text:
(a) (1) Notwithstanding Section 2097, a physician’s and surgeon’s license may be renewed for the first time if the board receives evidence satisfactory to the board that the licensee is enrolled in a California board-approved postgraduate training program at the time the license expires.

(2) The relevant postgraduate training program director shall report to the board within 30 days, on a form approved by the board, if a licensee who renews their license pursuant to this subdivision is disenrolled from their training program for any reason, including, but not limited to, resignation, termination, or graduation.

(b) If a physician’s and surgeon’s license is initially renewed pursuant to subdivision (a), then, at the time of their second renewal, in addition to any other requirements, the board shall require evidence satisfactory to the board that the licensee has received credit for at least 36 months of board-approved postgraduate training, pursuant to the attestation of the program director, designated institutional official, or delegated authority for the approved postgraduate training program where the applicant participated. A licensee who fails to meet the requirements of this subdivision shall be automatically placed in delinquent status by the board.

(c) If a physician’s and surgeon’s license is initially renewed pursuant to subdivision (a) and the licensee is disenrolled from the relevant California board-approved postgraduate training program, the board may place the relevant license in delinquent status if the board does not receive evidence satisfactory to the board that the licensee has received credit for at least 36 months of board-approved postgraduate training. If placed on delinquent status, that license shall be returned to current status upon the board receiving evidence satisfactory to the board that the licensee is enrolled in a California board-approved postgraduate training program or has received credit for at least 36 months of board-approved postgraduate training before their license changes to canceled status, pursuant to Section 2428. Any license status change made pursuant to this subdivision shall not relieve the licensee of the license renewal requirements of subdivision (b).

(d) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, the board shall issue an initial physician’s and surgeon’s license for a period of 26 months.

(2) A renewed physician’s and surgeon’s license shall be subject to the requirements of Section 2423.

(e) Upon review of supporting documentation, the board, in its discretion, may renew a physician’s and surgeon’s license for an applicant who has demonstrated substantial compliance with this section.

(f) A physician whose license is canceled or who surrenders their license prior to meeting the renewal requirements of either subdivision (b) or (c) is subject to the reinstatement requirements of subdivision (e) of Section 2097.

(g) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section only applies to individuals who are issued an initial physician’s and surgeon’s license by the board on or after January 1, 2022.

(2) Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) only applies to individuals who are issued an initial license on or after January 1, 2025.

(h) This section shall not apply to the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 481, Sec. 8. (SB 1451) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2099

text: Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Division of Licensing may delegate to any member of the division its authority to approve the admission of candidates to examinations and to approve the issuance of physician’s and surgeon’s certificates to applicants who have met the specific requirements therefor. The division may further delegate to the executive director or other official of the board the authority to approve the admission of candidates to examinations and to approve the issuance of physician’s and surgeon’s certificates to applicants who have met the specific requirements therefor in routine cases to candidates and applicants who clearly meet the requirements of this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1313, Sec. 2.)

article: 4. Requirements for Licensure


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an originating license for an osteopathic physician’s and surgeon’s certificate issued by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California shall require a written examination that is either prepared or selected by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. The written examination shall include osteopathic principles and practices and all applicable provisions of Article 4 (commencing with Section 2080). An applicant shall successfully complete the written examination, as determined by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 789, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2004.)

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5. Medicine > 4.5. Osteopathic Requirements for Licensure


text:
(a) The Osteopathic Medical Board of California shall develop a process to give priority review status to the application of an applicant for an osteopathic physician and surgeon’s certificate who can demonstrate that he or she intends to practice in a medically underserved area or serve a medically underserved population as defined in Section 128565 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) An applicant may demonstrate his or her intent to practice in a medically underserved area or serve a medically underserved population by providing proper documentation, including, but not limited to, a letter from the employer indicating that the applicant has accepted employment and stating the start date.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 307, Sec. 2. (AB 1288) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 4.5. Osteopathic Requirements for Licensure


citation: BPC § 2105

text:
(a) No hospital licensed by this state, or operated by the state or a political subdivision thereof, or which receives state financial assistance, directly or indirectly, shall require an individual who at the time of his or her enrollment in a medical school outside the United States is a citizen of the United States, to satisfy any requirements other than those contained in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 2065 prior to commencing the postgraduate training which are not required for graduates of approved medical schools located in the United States or Canada.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2020.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 55) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 775, Sec. 56. (SB 798) Effective January 1, 2018. Section operative January 1, 2020, by its own provisions.)

article: 5. Foreign Medical Graduates

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5. Medicine > 5. Foreign Medical Graduates