The Medical Board of California is preparing to institute a number of changes designed to improve oversight over doctors. The move is thanks to a new state law, that was prompted by a highly critical report from the University of San Diego. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
Last year's report revealed poor funding and bureaucratic problems hindered the Medical Board's ability to discipline errant doctors in a timely way.
In response, state lawmakers passed a measure that calls for 28 changes beginning in January.
These include improving collaboration between the board and the attorney general's office.
Dr. Bob Hertzka is immediate past president of the California Medical Association. He says it's never been a cause for alarm.
Hertzka: "But it's been an appropriate issue for the legislature to take up every few years and say, you know, are we doing okay with this? And fine, we're doing okay, can we do better?"
The Medical Board has already taken steps to more quickly stop doctors whose actions may put patients at risk.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
