What is the Medical Board of California’s Medical Consultant Program?
The Medical Board of California receives thousands of complaints against physicians every year. While many are screened out early by the Central Complaint Unit (CCU), complaints involving quality of care issues receive special scrutiny under California law (Business and Professions Code § 2220.08).
This is where the Medical Consultant Program comes in. It serves as a critical second step in the screening process for quality-of-care complaints. After an initial review by non-physician staff, qualifying cases are referred to a Medical Board Consultant — a licensed California physician who contracts with the Board to provide an expert opinion.
What is a California Medical Board Consultant?
A California Medical Board Consultant (also called a Medical Consultant) is a practicing physician in good standing who works part-time for the Medical Board. Their primary responsibility is to objectively review patient medical records and determine whether the care provided by the accused physician met the accepted standard of practice in medicine.
Based on their review, the consultant prepares a written report that recommends whether the case should:
- Be closed, or
- Proceed to a formal investigation by the Board’s enforcement division (HQIU).
This consultant’s opinion often plays a major role in deciding whether the Medical Board will file a formal Accusation against the physician.
Qualifications of Medical Board Consultants
The qualifications required to become a Medical Board Consultant are relatively minimal compared to other expert roles (such as a medical malpractice expert witness). To qualify, a physician must have:
- A current, valid, and unrestricted California medical license
- No complaints within the last three years
- No pending accusations or prior disciplinary action
Notably, board certification is not required. Consultants are paid approximately $75 per hour (as of 2024), which many consider quite low for the importance and liability of the role.
What Happens If the Consultant Recommends Further Investigation?
If the Medical Board Consultant determines that the care may have fallen below the standard of practice, the case is typically forwarded for a full investigation. This can include:
- Requests for all relevant medical records
- Interviews with patients and staff
- A formal interview with the physician (often attended by a Medical Board investigator and a Deputy Attorney General)
Complaints involving serious issues — such as gross negligence, impairment, substance abuse, or sexual misconduct — are given priority.
Why This Process Matters for California Doctors
Being the subject of a Medical Board investigation can be highly stressful and carry serious professional consequences, including potential license suspension or revocation. Understanding how the Medical Consultant Program works is essential for physicians facing complaints. Early intervention by an experienced attorney can sometimes prevent a case from advancing or help build a strong defense early in the process.
If you are currently under investigation by the Medical Board of California, it is important to act quickly. At Horowitz & Ravis, we have extensive experience defending physicians in Medical Board matters. Attorney Daniel Horowitz and physician-attorney Dr. Mark Ravis provide aggressive and strategic representation tailored to doctors.
Call us today at (925) 291-5388 for a confidential consultation.
