If you’re licensed by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California (or hope to be), it’s essential to become familiar with California’s various healthcare laws and regulations. These guidelines will strongly influence your ability to practice.
A healthcare license attorney can provide much-needed guidance concerning these laws and assist you with your medical licensing needs.
The Medical Board of California Is in Charge of Healthcare Laws and Regulations
The Medical Board of California (MBC) and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California are the governmental entities responsible for implementing and enforcing healthcare laws and regulations specifically for doctors. Their primary mission is to protect those seeking healthcare.
These boards grant and regulate licenses to doctors in particular. They enforce the Medical Practice Act (MPA) to promote quality healthcare through licensing, regulatory, and policy functions.
Healthcare license attorneys align with the Boards’ goals and missions while also advocating for doctors to successfully obtain, maintain, and protect their professional licenses.
Numerous Laws and Regulations Affect the Healthcare Profession
Countless medical laws and regulations exist. These laws govern everything from licensure requirements to violations and investigations.
As a licensed medical professional, you should make it a point to become familiar with the laws governing your field. A medical license attorney will have the knowledge and practical understanding of these regulations to provide the necessary advice and guidance.
Here’s an overview of some of the most important healthcare laws and regulations in the state of California.
Licensure
The Medical Board of California provides details regarding the requirements for licensure. Depending on the type of license you’re pursuing, your governing Board may require the following:
- A diploma issued by an approved school
- An official transcript or other evidence showing that a diploma or degree was granted by an approved school
- Proof of passage of required examinations
- Proof of completion of postgraduate training
- Fingerprints
There may be additional requirements for applicants who received their professional training in other countries. Fees of various amounts will also be assessed based on the type of license you’re seeking.
An applicant who is eligible for a license but has a disability that makes them unable to practice certain aspects of medicine may receive a limited license if they:
- Sign an agreement to limit their practice in the manner prescribed by the Board and their reviewing physician
- Pay the appropriate fee
Obtaining and renewing a license with your governing board can be tricky, but a healthcare license attorney can provide qualified assistance.
Professional Conduct
Professional conduct is extremely important in the medical field. For this reason, the MBC takes unethical and unbecoming behaviors seriously.
Unprofessional conduct encompasses negligence, incompetence, inappropriate behavior, and dishonesty. Such transgressions may include the following:
- Repeated excessive prescribing, furnishing, or administering of drugs
- Sexual misconduct or abuse
- Misleading advertising
- Fraudulent insurance claims
- Failure to provide medical records to a patient
- Patient abandonment
Unprofessional conduct can also include any violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which prevents healthcare providers from disclosing sensitive patient healthcare details.
Misconduct can result in a number of disciplinary actions depending on the frequency and severity, including license suspension or revocation.
License Suspension or Revocation
The Medical Board of California and or your governing board can suspend or revoke the licenses it issues for several reasons, including conviction of a crime or commission of acts involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit.
When your license is suspended, you may have the opportunity to practice again at a later date once the required amount of time has passed. A revocation means you can no longer practice under your professional license.
Reinstating a License
You can petition your governing Board for reinstatement if your professional license is suspended or revoked for disciplinary reasons. You may also need to apply to restore a full, active license if your license is inactive, disabled, or limited.
The process of getting a license reinstated can be stressful. Regardless of your license status, a healthcare license lawyer can aid you in the reinstatement process and secure the best possible outcome.
A Medical License Attorney Can Help You Understand Healthcare Laws and How They Pertain to You
Given the sheer number of healthcare laws in California, it’s normal to feel a little confused or overwhelmed. Fortunately, professional license attorneys possess a thorough knowledge of these regulations. They can explain them to you and help you understand how they impact your situation.
When you need assistance with your healthcare license, don’t hesitate to reach out to S J Harris Law. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
