California Medical Board Overview
The Medical Board of California (MBC) regulates:
Physicians (MD): Over 140,000 licensed physicians
Population Served: 39+ million residents
Market Rank: Largest physician market in the US
Contact Information:
- Website: mbc.ca.gov
- Phone: (800) 633-2322
- Email: webmaster@mbc.ca.gov
California is known for thorough review processes, making it one of the more complex states for initial licensure.
CME Requirements
California CME requirements for license renewal:
Total Hours: 50 CME hours every 2 years
Mandatory Topics:
- Pain management and opioids: 12 hours (one-time requirement, then included in general hours)
- Geriatric medicine: Encouraged but not mandatory
Accepted Credits:
- AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
- AOA Category 1-A for DOs
- Accredited medical school or hospital courses
Documentation: Keep certificates for 4 years minimum (audit possible)
California does not accept Category 2 credits or self-directed learning without accreditation.
Initial License Application
To obtain a California medical license:
Requirements:
- Graduate of LCME or AOA-accredited medical school (or ECFMG for IMGs)
- Complete ACGME or AOA-accredited residency (minimum 1 year)
- Pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3 (or COMLEX equivalent)
- Fingerprint LiveScan background check
- Complete application and pay fees
Fees:
- Application fee: $508
- Initial license fee: $783
- Fingerprint processing: $49
- Total: ~$1,340
Timeline: 6-12 weeks (longer if issues arise)
License Renewal
California medical license renewal process:
Cycle: Biennial (every 2 years) on your birth month
Renewal Fee: $783
CME Required: 50 hours in the preceding 2 years
Process: Online through BreEZe portal (mbc.ca.gov)
Important Dates:
- Renewal notice: 90 days before expiration
- Late fee: $195 if renewed within 60 days of expiration
- Delinquent fee: Additional $391 after 60 days
Reinstatement: If license lapses beyond grace period, you must petition for reinstatement with additional fees and requirements.
Special Considerations
California has unique requirements:
Corporate Practice Ban: Physicians cannot be employed by non-physician-owned corporations (with exceptions for qualified medical corporations)
Telemedicine: Must have California license to treat California patients remotely. No out-of-state telemedicine exceptions.
IMLC Status: California is pending IMLC membership. Once active, this will significantly speed multi-state licensing.
Supervision Requirements: Strict supervision ratios for physician assistants.
Locum Tenens: Special permit available for short-term practice (up to 60 days).