Some of the Administrative Law Agencies
California Accountants - Board of Accountancy
2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 250
Sacramento, CA 95815-3832
800/952-5210 information
800/344-9444 TDD
916/263-3680 complaints
http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/
Online consumer complaint form
The California Board of Accountancy will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of an Accountant, done any act of dishonesty &/or making a false statement on an application for licensure.
At Spital & Associates, we protect your rights and advance your interests in an investigation or prosecution. We have 38 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer.The Board prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a CPA if there is an allegation of one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Sexual Misconduct by CPA or Accountant
- Abuse of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs by Accountant or CPA
- Use by a CPA or an Accountant of dangerous Narcotics/Substances
- Incompetent and/or Negligent Practice of Accounting
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to the Practice of Accounting
- Falsifying records by a CPA or Accountant
- Fiscal Dishonesty/Fraud/Theft by Accountant or CPA
- Unlicensed Practice of Accountancy
Acupuncturists - California Acupuncture Board
California Department of Consumer Affairs
1424 Howe Avenue, Suite 37
Sacramento, CA 95825
800/952-5210
916/263-2680
800/739-2929 TT/TDD relay service
http://www.acupuncture.ca.gov/
Consumer complaint form
Chiropractors - California Board of Chiropractic Examiners
2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 260
Sacramento, CA 95833-2931
916/263-5355
866/546-1311 Consumer Complaint Line
800/739-2929 TT/TDD relay service
http://www.chiro.ca.gov/
The California Board of Chiropractic Examiners will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Chiropractor, if you have done any act of dishonesty &/or made a false statement on an application for licensure.At Spital & Associates, we protect the rights and advance the interests of a Chiropractor client in an investigation or prosecution.
We have 39 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. The Chiropractic Board prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Chiropractor if there is an allegation of any of the above grounds for denial of licensure as well as one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Sexual Misconduct by a Chiropractor
- Abuse of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs by a Chiropractor
- Use by a Chiropractor of Illegal Narcotics/Substances
- Incompetent and/or Negligent Practice as a Chiropractor
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to the Practice as a Chiropractor
- Falsifying records by a Chiropractor
- Inappropriate billing for services advertised as free or discounted
- False, deceptive or misleading advertising by a Chiropractor
- Unauthorized disclosure of patient information by a Chiropractor or staff under supervision
- Use of spinal manipulation in lieu of vaccination
- Fiscal Dishonesty/Fraud/Theft by a Chiropractor
- Unlicensed Practice of Chiropractic Medicine
When a complaint has been received by the Board of Chiropractic Examines , it is reviewed, analyzed and then processed. Some complaints are closed because they fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Board and/or do not involve grounds for disciplinary action (e.g. personality conflicts).
Once the complaint is reviewed, the Board of Chiropractic Examiners may determine the allegations are unsubstantiated. On the other hand, the Board may conclude the allegations are valid and they will decide what further action should be taken, if any. The options include:
- Board closes the complaint on the grounds it is without merit
- Board closes the complaint even though it has been determined the complaint has merit
- Board of Chiropractic Examiners refers the matter to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution. The AG will seek to deny a license if you are an applicant for licensure; or the AG will seek to suspend or revoke your license and impose countless terms and conditions to a probationary license.
- You as a Chiropractor employ expert legal counsel to present a compelling and powerful defense so that the Board disciplinary action is minimized, if any is taken.
- Board handles the matter "in-house" and issues a citation, fine, private reprimand, etc.
Contractors - Contractors State License Board
P. O. Box 269117
Sacramento, CA 95826-9117
916/255-2924
800/321-2752
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/
Online consumer complaint form
The California Contractors State License Board will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Contractor, if you have done any act of dishonesty &/or made a false statement on an application for licensure as a Contractor.
At Spital & Associates, we protect your rights as a Contractor and advance your interests in an investigation or prosecution. We have 39 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. The CSLB prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Contractor if there is an allegation of any of the grounds for denial of licensure as well as one or more of the common grounds for disciplinary action.
Want more information on contractor licensing issues? Click this link: contractor licensing page .
Counselors and Social Workers - Board of Behavioral Science Examiners
400 R Street, Suite 3150
Sacramento, CA 95814-6240
800/952-5210 information
916/344-9940 TDD
916/445-4933 complaints
http://www.bbs.ca.gov/
Consumer complaint form
The California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Therapist, if you have done any act of dishonesty &/or made a false statement on an application for licensure.
At Spital & Associates, we protect your rights and advance your interests in an investigation or prosecution. We have 38 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. The BBS prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Therapist if there is an allegation of any of the above grounds for denial of licensure as well as one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Sexual Misconduct or sexual relations by a licensed counselor or social worker with a client or within 2 years of a former client
- Abuse of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs by a social worker or licensed counselor
- Use of Illegal Narcotics/Substances by a licensed counselor or social worker
- Incompetence and/or Gross Negligence as a Social worker or licensed counsel
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to the Practice of Marriage & Family Therapy
- Falsifying records by a licensed counselor or social worker
- Intentionally or recklessly causing emotional or physical harm to a client
- False, deceptive or misleading advertising by a social worker or licensed counselor
- Unauthorized disclosure of patient information
- Fiscal Dishonesty/Fraud/Theft by a social worker or licensed counselor
- Paying or receiving consideration for the referral of a client
- Misrepresentation as to the status of a BBS or any other professional license
- Unlicensed Practice or practicing beyond the scope of your BBS license
When a complaint has been received by the Board of Behavioral Science Examines , it is reviewed, analyzed and then processed. Some complaints are closed because they fall outside of the jurisdiction of the BBS and/or do not involve grounds for disciplinary action (e.g. personality conflicts).
Once the complaint against a social worker or therapist is reviewed, BBS may determine the allegations are unsubstantiated. On the other hand, the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners may conclude the allegations are valid and they will decide what further action should be taken, if any. The options include:
- BBS closes the complaint against the social worker or therapist on the grounds it is without merit
- BBS closes the complaint even though it has been determined the complaint has merit
- BBS refers the matter against the social worker or therapist to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution. The AG will seek to deny a license if you are an applicant for licensure; or the AG will seek to suspend or revoke your license and impose countless terms and conditions to a probationary license, requiring you to reimburse BBS costs and investigation expenses
- You employ expert legal counsel to present a compelling and powerful defense so that BBS disciplinary action is minimized, if any is taken.
- BBS handles the matter "in-house" and issues a citation, fine, private reprimand, etc.
Dentists - Dental Board of California
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1550
Sacramento, CA 95815
800/952-5210 information
800/344-9940 TDD
916/263-2300
916/263-2335 complaints
http://www.dbc.ca.gov/
Consumer complaint form
The California Dental Board will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Dentist or Dental Auxiliary, if you have done any act of dishonesty &/or made a false statement on an application for licensure.
At Spital & Associates, we protect the rights and advance the interests of dentists in an investigation or prosecution. We have 39 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. The Dental Board prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Dentist or Dental Auxiliary if there is an allegation of any of the above grounds for denial of licensure as well as one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Sexual Misconduct by a dentist
- Abuse of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs by a dentist
- Use by a dentist of Illegal Narcotics/Substances
- Incompetence and/or Gross Negligence as a Dentist
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to your license
- Falsifying records by a dentist
- False, deceptive or misleading advertising by a dentist
- Unauthorized disclosure of patient information
- Fiscal Dishonesty/Fraud/Theft by a dentist
- Misrepresentation as to the status of a license
- Unlicensed Practice
When a complaint has been received by the Board of Dental Examiners , it is reviewed, analyzed and then processed. Some complaints are closed because they fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Dental Board and/or do not involve grounds for disciplinary action (e.g. personality conflicts).
Once the complaint is reviewed, the Dental Board may determine the allegations are unsubstantiated. On the other hand, the Board of Dental Examiners may conclude the allegations are valid and they will decide what further action should be taken, if any. The options include:
- Dental Board closes the complaint on the grounds it is without merit
- Dental Board closes the complaint even though it has been determined the complaint has merit
- Dental Board refers the matter to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution. The AG will seek to deny a license if you are an applicant for licensure; or the AG will seek to suspend or revoke your license and impose countless terms and conditions to a probationary license.
- You as a dentist employ expert legal counsel to present a compelling and powerful defense so the Dental Board disciplinary action is minimized, if any is taken.
- Dental Board handles the matter "in-house" and issues a citation, fine, private reprimand, etc.
Registered Nurses - California Board of Registered Nursing
400 R Street, Suite 4030
P.O. Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
916/322-3350 complaints
916/322-1700 TDY
http://www.rn.ca.gov/
Consumer complaint form
The California Board of Registered Nursing will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Nurse, if you have done any act of dishonesty &/or made a false statement on an application for licensure.
At Spital & Associates, we protect nurses' rights and advance a registered nurses' interests in an investigation or prosecution. We have 39 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. The BRN prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Registered Nurse if there is an allegation of any of the above grounds for denial of licensure as well as one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Unprofessional Conduct by a registered nurse
- Abuse of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs by a registered nurse
- Use by a registered nurse of Illegal Narcotics/Substances
- Incompetence and/or Gross Negligence as a Registered Nurse
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to the practice of a Registered Nurse
- Falsifying records by a registered nurse
- Drug related transgressions by a registered nurse
- Unauthorized disclosure of patient information
- Impersonating another licensed practitioner
- Aiding and abetting
- Obtaining a license as a registered nurse by fraud, misrepresentation or mistake
- Using a "title" such as a "Nurse Practitioner or other specialist unless certified
Click here to learn more about the BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING complaint process,
Vocational Nurses & Psych. Techs. - Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
800/952-5210 information
800/344-9940 TDD
916/263-7822 complaints
www.bvnpt.ca.gov/
Consumer complaint form
When a complaint against a vocational nurse has been received by the Board of Vocational Nurses , it is reviewed, analyzed and then processed. Some complaints are closed because they fall outside of the jurisdiction of the BVNPT and/or do not involve grounds for disciplinary action (e.g. personality conflicts).
Once the complaint is reviewed, BVNPT may determine the allegations are unsubstantiated. On the other hand, the Board of Vocational Nurses may conclude the allegations are valid and they will decide what further action should be taken, if any. The options include:
- BVNPT closes the complaint on the grounds it is without merit
- BVNPT closes the complaint even though it has been determined the complaint has merit
- BVNPT refers the matter to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution. The AG will seek to deny a license if you are an applicant for licensure; or the AG will seek to suspend or revoke your license and impose countless terms and conditions to a probationary license, requiring you to reimburse BVNPT costs and investigation expenses
- You as a Vocational Nurse employ expert legal counsel to present a compelling and powerful defense so that BVNPT disciplinary action is minimized, if any is taken.
- BVNPT handles the matter "in-house" and issues a citation, fine, private reprimand, etc.
Optometrists - California Board of Optometry
400 R Street, Suite 4090
Sacramento, CA 95814-6200
800/547-4576
916/323-8720
http://www.optometry.ca.gov/
The California Board of Optometry will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Optometrist, if you have done any act of dishonesty &/or made a false statement on an application for licensure. At Spital & Associates, we are the highest rated professional license defense attorneys practicing statewide in California. We have 39 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer.
The Optometry Board prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as an Optometrist if there is an allegation of any of the grounds for denial of licensure as well as one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Sexual Contact or Sexual Misconduct by an optometrist
- Abuse of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs by an optometrist
- Use of Illegal Narcotics/Substances by an optometrist
- Incompetence and/or Gross Negligence as an optometrist
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to your license
- Falsifying records by an optometrist
- False, deceptive or misleading advertising by an optometrist
- Unauthorized disclosure of patient information
- Fiscal Dishonesty/Fraud/Theft by an optometrist
- Misrepresentation as to the status of a license
- Unlicensed Practice of Optometry
When a complaint against an optometrist has been received by the Board of Optometry, it is reviewed, analyzed and then processed. Some complaints are closed because they fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Optometry Board and/or do not involve grounds for disciplinary action (e.g. personality conflicts).
Once the complaint is reviewed, the Optometry Board may determine the allegations are unsubstantiated. On the other hand, the Board of Optometry may conclude the allegations are valid and they will decide what further action should be taken, if any. The options include:
- Optometry Board closes the complaint on the grounds it is without merit
- Optometry Board closes the complaint even though it has been determined the complaint has merit
- Optometry Board refers the matter to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution. The AG will seek to deny a license if you are an applicant for licensure; or the AG will seek to suspend or revoke your license and impose countless terms and conditions to a probationary license.
- You as an optometrist employ expert legal counsel to present a compelling and powerful defense so the Optometry Board disciplinary action is minimized, if any is taken.
- Board of Optometry handles the matter "in-house" and issues a citation, fine, private reprimand, etc.
Pharmacists - California Board of Pharmacy
400 R Street, Suite 4070
Sacramento, CA 95814
916/445-5014
http://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/
Consumer complaint form
The California Board of Pharmacy will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Pharmacist, if you have done any act of dishonesty &/or made a false statement on an application for licensure.
At Spital & Associates, we protect Pharmacists' rights and advance the interests of Pharmacists in an investigation or prosecution. We have 39 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. The Pharmacy Board prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Pharmacy &/or Pharmacist if there is an allegation of any of the above grounds for denial of licensure as well as one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Unprofessional Conduct by Pharmacist or Pharmacy
- Abuse of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs by a Pharmacist
- Use by a Pharmacist of Illegal Narcotics/Substances
- Gross immorality
- Incompetence and/or Gross Negligence as a Pharmacist
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to the practice of a Pharmacist
- Falsifying records by a Pharmacy or Pharmacist
- Drug related transgressions by a Pharmacist or Pharmacy
- Unauthorized disclosure of patient information by a Pharmacy or Pharmacist
- Knowingly furnishing, selling or giving away drugs to an addict
- Aiding and abetting
- Obtaining a license by fraud, misrepresentation or mistake
When a complaint against a pharmacy or pharmacist has been received by the Board of Pharmacy, it is reviewed, analyzed and then processed. Some complaints are closed because they fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Pharmacy Board and/or do not involve grounds for disciplinary action (e.g. personality conflicts).
Once the complaint is reviewed, the Board of Pharmacy may determine the allegations are unsubstantiated. On the other hand, the Board of Pharmacy may conclude the allegations are valid and they will decide what further action should be taken, if any. The options include:
- Board of Pharmacy closes the complaint on the grounds it is without merit
- Board of Pharmacy closes the complaint even though it has been determined the complaint has merit
- Board of Pharmacy refers the matter to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution. The AG will seek to deny a license if you are an applicant for licensure; or the AG will seek to suspend or revoke your license and impose countless terms and conditions to a probationary license.
- You as a pharmacist employ expert legal counsel to present a compelling and powerful defense so the Board of Pharmacy disciplinary action is minimized, if any is taken.
- Board of Pharmacy handles the matter "in-house" and issues a citation, fine, private reprimand, etc.
Physicians - Medical Board of California
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1200
Sacramento, CA 95815
800/633-2322 complaints
800/344-9940 TDD
916/263-2466 information
http://www.medbd.ca.gov/
Consumer complaint form
The Medical Board of California will deny an application for license to a medical doctor for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Physician or Physician Assistant, if you have done any act of dishonesty even if not in the course of your duties as a physician &/or made a false statement on an application for licensure as a medical doctor.
At Spital & Associates, we protect the rights of physicians and advance a medical doctor's interests in an investigation or prosecution. We have 39 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. The Medical Board investigates and prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Physician or Physician Assistant if there is an allegation of any of the above grounds for denial of licensure as well as one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Sexual Misconduct &/or inappropriate physical contact by a physician even if consensual
- Abuse by a physician of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs
- Possession &/or Use of Illegal Narcotics/Substances by a medical doctor
- Incompetent and/or Negligent Practice of Medicine by a physician
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to the Practice of Medicine
- Falsifying or Making Grossly Incorrect Entries in Any Patient Chart by a physician
- Practice of Medicine by an unlicensed Person(s) under the Physician's Supervision
- Physician's Fiscal Dishonesty, Fraud &/or Theft (including Medicare, MediCal and Insurance claims)
- Misprescribing or over prescribing by a physician
DISCIPLINARY ALTERNATIVES
BY THE MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
- 1. Case closed - violation: These are complaints where it has been determined there are violations of the Medical Practice Act, but the Board has determined no disciplinary action should be filed against the physician after input from a physician's defense counsel.
- 2. Case closed - no violation: These are complaints where it has been determined through formal or informal investigations in which a physician's skilled license defense counsel has established that the allegations in the complaints against the medical doctor present no violations of law. For example, there is insufficient evidence to prove a violation in an administrative hearing. Such cases against physicians are closed without administrative action, are not published on the Board web site and, therefore, remain confidential from the general public.
- 3. Case closed - mediation: These are complaints in which the Board staff resolve issues between a consumer and the medical doctor, and are mediated at the complaint level. For example, billing misunderstandings, request for records misunderstandings, etc As these types of cases against physicians do not present a clear violation of law, subsequent to successful or unsuccessful mediation, they are closed without administrative action, are not published on the Medical Board of California web site and, therefore, remain confidential from the general public.
- 4. Case closed - letter of warning: Complaints resulting from minor infractions by the physician that involve no harm to the public are resolved by a letter of warning. This letter outlines the allegations, the law, and warns the medical doctor if the situation is true and repeated, formal disciplinary action will be filed. For example, an advertisement in which the physician does not include his/her license number. These cases are closed without administrative action taken against the physician, are not published on the Board web site and, therefore, remain confidential from the general public.
- 5. Case closed - Enforcement Review: After formal investigation and expert review, possible violations of law related to a consumer complaint confirm that departures from the standard of care occurred. The Medical Board of California has determined they will not refer the case to the Attorney General to file an Accusation. This is due to evidentiary problems &/or other deficiencies, such as a case in which the state expert did not find a clear departure from the medical doctor's standard of care, but there are serious concerns. Here, the physician may voluntarily participate in an "review," which is a face-to-face dialogue involving the issues of concern. We do not recommend that our clients participate in any investigation without skilled and experienced representation by a top Medical Board license attorney. These cases are closed without administrative action, are not published on the Medical Board web site and, therefore, remain confidential from the general public.
- 6. Letter of public reprimand: After the Medical Board of California files an Accusation in which the alleged violation against the physician is relatively minor and no patient harm has occurred, a public reprimand can be issued if the State Board License Defense Lawyer has presented a powerful defense; this includes a summary of the allegations, the impropriety of those acts, any courses the physician must take and may include any other term or condition in the Medical Board's Disciplinary Guidelines. The letter of reprimand is considered a disciplinary action, is published on the Medical Board of California's web site and, therefore, is available to the general public.
- 8. Stipulation: After the Medical Board files an Accusation with alleged minor violations and the physician has no previous disciplinary record, no patient harm has occurred and remedial action can satisfactorily close the case, the Medical Board may enter into a stipulation if a compelling defense has been established by a top Medical Board License Attorney. For example, a physician uses an inappropriate billing code and an insurance company reports this to the Medical Board demanding restitution. The Medical Board may require the physician take and pass an insurance billing code educational course and to have a billing monitor for his/her practice for a specific period. Then, the Medical Board will withdraw the Accusation after these conditions have been met. These stipulations are deemed disciplinary actions; the Accusation, written stipulation and the Withdrawal of Accusation are published on the Board's web site.
- 9. Probation: A published Decision by the Medical Board of California to place a physician on probation may be obtained as a result of a stipulation or as ordered by an Administrative Law Judge subsequent to an administrative hearing. These resolutions are best achieved by a highly distinguished and skilled Medical Board License Defense Lawyer. The possible terms and conditions of probation are contained in the Medical Board's Disciplinary Guidelines. Here, the physician's license is revoked, but the revocation is stayed for a specified period. In the event a physician does not comply with probation, the doctor's license may be revoked. Decisions ordering probation constitute disciplinary actions and are published on the Medical Board's web site.
- 10. Suspension: The Medical Board's Disciplinary Guidelines provide the details in which a suspension may be imposed. During the suspension, a physician may not practice medicine or refer to him/herself as a licensed medical doctor. A suspension is a disciplinary action and is published on the Medsical Board's web site
- 11. Interim Suspension Order: These are cases in which the Medical Board deems the physician to have previously or in the immediate future likely to engage in behavior that presents an immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare. Then, the Medical Board requests a hearing to immediately suspend the psychologist's practice; if granted by an Administrative Law Judge, the physician must immediately cease his or her practice. The Attorney General may also file such an Interim Suspension Order in the Superior Court if there is a pending criminal case on file. The Medical Board must file an Accusation within 15 days of the issuance of the Interim Suspension Order, and an administrative hearing must be held within 30 days. These are disciplinary actions and published on the Board's web site.
- 12. Stipulation to surrender License: Rather than taking a case through the administrative hearing process, a physician may choose to surrender his/her license. As experienced and skilled medical doctor license defense lawyers, we do not recommend this process unless a complete review and analysis of the risks and benefits are analyzed. Stipulations to surrender a license may or may not contain admissions to the allegations contained in the Accusation, but the physician is required to admit to their truth in the event of a future petition to reinstate his/her medical license. The waiting period is 3 years before the physician can seek reinstatement. These are disciplinary actions and published on the Medical Board's web site.
- 13. Revocation: This is an outright loss of a physician's license generally as a result of an administrative hearing in serious cases (see Medical Board's Disciplinary Guidelines for examples). A physician must wait 3 years before seeking reinstatement of a license. These are disciplinary actions and published on the Medical Board's web site.
In addition to physicians, the Medical Board (MedBd) investigates complaints involving :
- Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
- Physician Assistants (PA)
- Registered Dispensing Opticians (RDO)
- contact lens and/or spectacle lens dispensers
- research psychoanalysts
- licensed midwives
California Psychologists - Board of Psychology
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1400
Sacramento CA 95815
800/952-5210 information
800/633-2322 complaints
http://www.psychboard.ca.gov/
Consumer complaint form
DISCIPLINARY ALTERNATIVES
BY THE BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY
•1. Case closed - violation: These are complaints where it has been determined there are violations of the Psychology laws, but the Board of Psychology has determined no disciplinary action should be filed.
•2. Case closed - no violation: These are complaints where it has been determined through formal or informal investigations that the allegations in the complaints present no violations of law. For example, there is insufficient evidence to prove a violation in an administrative hearing. Such cases are closed without administrative action, are not published on the Board of Psychology web site and, therefore, remain confidential from the general public.
•3. Case closed - mediation: These are complaints in which the Board of Psychology staff resolve issues between a consumer and the Psychologist, and are mediated at the complaint level. For example, billing misunderstandings, request for records misunderstandings, etc As these types of cases do not present a clear violation of law, subsequent to successful or unsuccessful mediation, they are closed without administrative action, are not published on the Board of Psychology web site and, therefore, remain confidential from the general public.
•4. Case closed - letter of warning: Complaints resulting from minor infractions by the Psychologist that involve no harm to the public are resolved by a letter of warning. This letter outlines the allegations, the law, and warns the Psychologist if the situation is true and repeated, formal disciplinary action will be filed. For example, an advertisement in which the Psychologist does not include his/her license number. These cases are closed without administrative action, are not published on the Board of Psychology web site and, therefore, remain confidential from the general public.
•5. Case closed - educational Review: After formal investigation and expert review, possible violations of law related to a consumer complaint confirm that departures from the standard of care occurred. The Board of Psychology has determined they will not refer the case to the Attorney General to file an Accusation. This is due to evidentiary problems &/or other deficiencies, such as a case in which the state expert did not find a clear departure from the standard of care, but there are serious concerns. Here, the psychologist may voluntarily participate in an "educational review," which is a face-to-face dialogue involving the issues of concern. These cases are closed without administrative action, are not published on the Board of Psychology web site and, therefore, remain confidential from the general public.
•6. Citation and Fine: The Board of Psychology may issue a citation and fine in what they deem less egregious violations such as false advertising. Fines range from $100 to $2,500 per violation depending on the number and severity of violations (and the number of similar and previous violations). Orders of Abatement are included in all citation and fine cases and specifically require the cessation of certain activities or behaviors. An Order of Abatement may be used to follow a warning letter if the individual fails to heed the warning. Citations and fines are public information but are not considered to be disciplinary actions.
•7. Letter of public reprimand: After the Board of Psychology files an Accusation in which the alleged violation is relatively minor and no patient harm has occurred, a public reprimand can be issued; this includes a summary of the allegations, the impropriety of those acts, any courses the psychologist must take, the cost recovery sought by the Board of Psychology and may include any other term or condition in the Board's Disciplinary Guidelines. The letter of reprimand is considered a disciplinary action, is published on the Board's web site and, therefore, is available to the general public.
•8. Stipulation: After the Board of Psychology files an Accusation with alleged minor violations and the psychologist has no previous disciplinary record, no patient harm has occurred and remedial action can satisfactorily close the case, the Board may enter into a stipulation. For example, a psychologist uses an inappropriate billing code and an insurance company reports this to the Board demanding restitution. The Board of Psychology may require the psychologist take and pass an insurance billing code educational course and to have a billing monitor for his/her practice for a specific period. Then, the Board will withdraw the Accusation after these conditions have been met. These stipulations are deemed disciplinary actions; the Accusation, written stipulation and the Withdrawal of Accusation are published on the Board's web site.
•9. Probation: A published Decision to place a psychologist on probation may be obtained as a result of a stipulation or as ordered by an Administrative Law Judge subsequent to an administrative hearing. The possible terms and conditions of probation are contained in the Board's Disciplinary Guidelines. Here, the psychologist's license is revoked, but the revocation is stayed for a specified period. In the event a psychologist does not comply with probation, the license may be revoked. Decisions ordering probation constitute disciplinary actions and are published on the Board's web site.
•10. Suspension: The Board's Disciplinary Guidelines provide the details in which a suspension may be imposed. During the suspension, a psychologist may not practice psychology or refer to him/herself as a psychologist. A suspension is a disciplinary action and is published on the Board's web site
•11. Interim Suspension Order: These are cases in which the Board of Psychology deems the psychologist to have previously or in the immediate future likely to engage in behavior that presents an immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare. Then, the Board requests a hearing to immediately suspend the psychologist's practice; if granted by an Administrative Law Judge, the psychologist must immediately cease his or her practice. The Board of Psychology must file an Accusation within 15 days of the issuance of the Interim Suspension Order, and an administrative hearing must be held within 30 days. These are disciplinary actions and published on the Board's web site.
•12. Stipulation to surrender License: Rather than taking a case through the administrative hearing process, a psychologist may choose to surrender his/her license. Stipulations to surrender a license may or may not contain admissions to the allegations contained in the Accusation, but the psychologist is required to admit to their truth in the event of a future petition to reinstate his/her license. The waiting period is 3 years before the psychologist can seek reinstatement. These are disciplinary actions and published on the Board's web site.
•13. Revocation: This is an outright loss of a psychologist's license generally as a result of an administrative hearing in serious cases (see Board's Disciplinary Guidelines for examples) A psychologist must wait 3 years before seeking reinstatement of a license. These are disciplinary actions and published on the Board's web site.
To learn about ethics and professional licensing defense, please click: Board of Psychology Accusations .
Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP) - Respiratory Care Board of California
444 North 3rd Street, Suite 270
Sacramento, CA 95811
Main Telephone: (916) 323-9983
Toll Free in California (866) 375-0386
Fax: (916) 323-9999
http://www.rcb.ca.gov/
E-mail: rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov
The California Respiratory Care Board will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Respiratory Therapist, if you have done any act of dishonesty &/or made a false statement on an application for licensure.
At Spital & Associates, we protect your rights and advance your interests in an investigation or prosecution. We have 38 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. The Respiratory Care Board prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) if there is an allegation of one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Sexual Misconduct by a Respiratory Care Practitioner
- Abuse by a Respiratory Care Practitioner of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs
- Use of Illegal Narcotics/Substances by a Respiratory Care Practitioner
- Incompetent and/or Negligent Practice of Respiratory Care
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to the Practice of Respiratory Care
- Falsifying or Making Grossly Incorrect Entries in Any Patient Chart
- Changing the Prescription of a Physician by a Respiratory Care Practitioner
- Fiscal Dishonesty/Fraud/Theft by a Respiratory Care Practitioner
- Unlicensed Practice of Respiratory Care
Real Estate Agents & Brokers- Department of Real Estate (DRE)
P.O. Box 187000
Sacramento, CA 95818-7000
(916) 227-0864
(800) 735-2929 TT/TDD relay service
http://www.dre.ca.gov/
The Department of Real Estate ("DRE") issues licenses and imposes disciplinary action against Real Estate Brokers and Real Estate Agents in California . These two types of cases are handled by DRE Legal Counsel who pursue the action before an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings ("OAH"). The Office of Administrative Hearings is not part of the DRE. This is a trial in that the matter is prosecuted by DRE Legal Counsel, you are defended by your own lawyer (unless you choose to handle the case alone, which we clearly do not recommend), there is a court reporter who transcribes the proceeding, and each side presents written and oral evidence, there is a full opportunity for objections, cross-examination, and the matter can be appealed as well. .
In DRE cases, the Real Estate Commissioner makes the final decision and not the Administrative Law Judge. DRE has the power to either reject or modify the Proposed Decision of the Administrative Law Judge. Some cases can be resolved without an Administrative Hearing.
You are encouraged to call Spital & Associates to discuss the various alternatives available in your specific case as a real estate broker or real estate agent.
Smog Check & Auto Repair Dealers - Bureau of Auto Repair (BAR)
P.O. BOX 989001
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9001
(916) 255-3145
(800) 952-5210
http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/
Veterinarians & Registered Technicians - Veterinary Medical Board (VMB)
1420 Howe Avenue, #6
Sacramento, CA 95825-3228
Phone: (916) 263-2610
http://www.vmb.ca.gov/
The Veterinary Medical Board of California will deny an application for license for a conviction of a crime related to the duties and functions of a Veterinarian or RVT, if you have done any act of dishonesty&/or made a false statement on an application for licensure.
At Spital & Associates, we protect your rights as a Veterinarian &/or Registered Veterinary Technician and advance your interests in an investigation or prosecution. We have 39 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. We are the highest rated professional license defense attorneys handling state board defense cases statewide in California.
The Veterinary Medical Board prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Veterinarian &/or RVT if there is an allegation of any of the grounds for denial of licensure as well as one or more of the following more common grounds for disciplinary action:
- Unprofessional Conduct by a veterinarian or RVT
- Abuse of Alcohol and/or Prescription Drugs by a veterinarian or RVT
- Use of Illegal Narcotics/Substances by a veterinarian or RVT
- Gross immorality by a veterinarian or RVT
- Incompetence and/or Gross Negligence as a veterinarian or RVT
- Conviction of a Crime Substantially Related to the practice of a veterinarian or RVT
- Falsifying records by a veterinarian or RVT
- Drug related transgressions of a veterinarian or RVT
- Aiding and abetting the unlicensed activity of a veterinarian or RVT
- Obtaining a license as a veterinarian or RVT by fraud, misrepresentation or mistake
When a complaint has been received by the Board of Veterinarian Medicine, it is reviewed, analyzed and then processed. Some complaints against veterinarians or registered veterinary technicians are closed because they fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Board and/or do not involve grounds for disciplinary action (e.g. personality conflicts).
Once the complaint is reviewed, the Board of Veterinary Medicine may determine the allegations are unsubstantiated. On the other hand, the Board may conclude the allegations are valid and they will decide what further action should be taken, if any. The options include:
- Board of Veterinary Medicine closes the complaint on the grounds it is without merit
- Board closes the complaint even though it has been determined the complaint has merit
- Board of Veterinary Medicine refers the matter to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution. The AG will seek to deny a license if you are an applicant for licensure; or the AG will seek to suspend or revoke your license and impose countless terms and conditions to a probationary license.
- You as a veterinarian or RVT employ expert legal counsel to present a compelling and powerful defense so the Board of Veterinary Medicine disciplinary action is minimized, if any is taken.
- Board of Veterinary Medicine handles the matter "in-house" and issues a citation, fine, private reprimand, etc.
Contact us now to speak with Managing Attorney Samuel Spital about your professional State Board license issue as the top state board license defense law firm whether for an investigation, Accusation or Statement of Issues. For the highest rated state board license hearing attorneys statewide in California, call and speak to Samuel Spital about your professional licensing, state board, administrative law case.
