California State Medical Board looks to beef up disciplinary measures for physician misconduct 

Georgina Gonzalez -

The Medical Board of California is asking lawmakers to pass reforms that would extend its ability to discipline physicians accused of misconduct, The Los Angeles Times reported Jan. 7.

The board sent an 11-page letter to legislative leaders asking them to lower the standard of proof necessary to warrant disciplinary action, increase the waiting time for physicians to petition to reinstate revoked licenses from three years to five, and hike licensing fees. 

"These proposals were developed because we’re listening, we want to improve, these proposals will help us improve, and we need the Legislature’s help to improve," Kristina Lawson, president of the California State Medical Board, said in an interview. 

In December 2021, The Los Angeles Times found that since 2013, the board has reinstated 10 physicians who lost their licenses for sexual misconduct. 

Lawmakers welcomed the recommendations and plan to review them as they introduce bills. 

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