Licensing Process
The Medical Board's Licensing Section protects the consumer through the proper licensing of physicians and surgeons. The comprehensive review of an application provides that licensees have the requisite qualifications and educational credentials for medical practice.
California's licensing requirements remain among the more stringent in the nation; nevertheless, an ever-increasing number of applicants seek licensure in California. During the 2003-2004 fiscal year, almost 5,000 applications were received by the Board and over 4,000 licenses were granted. Applicants should recognize that the application review process can be lengthy, and are encouraged to start the application process at least six to nine months before they need licensure. While the sense of urgency experienced by each applicant is understood, the licensing staff is responsible for reviewing many files, and cannot complete the review of a file if required documents are missing. Oftentimes, the missing documents must be obtained from distant medical schools or programs, resulting in more delays. It is imperative for applicants to understand that the review process is guided by the requirements set forth in State law, which does not provide for any waivers to be granted by staff or by the Board.
- The Board is only accepting applications with the following revision dates: 12/05 and 04/08.
- Applications are reviewed in the order of receipt.
- Applicants should submit all required documentation as soon as possible; however, without both the application and fees, staff cannot begin the initial review process.
- Fingerprint cards should be submitted early in the process, preferably with the application and fees, because this security clearance is lengthy.
- Do not wait to submit an application until all documentation is complete, because that will significantly delay the fingerprint card processing.
Once an application has been received, staff must complete the initial review within 60 working days, although this often occurs in less time. The applicant is then notified in writing of the application status and given an itemized list of documents needed to complete the file. These subsequent documents also will be reviewed in order of receipt.
The review of applications filed by US/Canadian medical graduates is fairly routine. When delays occur, they generally result from the required FBI fingerprint clearance, which may take a few months.
While the review of applications filed by international graduates is more complex, delays usually are the result of education and training which does not meet the standard required in law and which therefore must be remediated. Other extensive delays occur as applicants try to obtain documents from foreign institutions or when certified translations are needed.
Lastly, when all documents have been submitted and an application is complete, regulations allow an additional 100 days for processing. This time frame may include a senior management review of complex files and a request for clarification of some documented information.
The Board cannot predict the variables that may cause delays as each application is reviewed. Therefore, it is not possible to provide assurances that any applicant will be licensed by a specific date.
