Medical Board of California; Osteopathic Medical Board of California; Physician Assistant Board

How the official source says to file

• Each board offers written complaints through online, mail, or fax routes. Use its own packet and a separate complaint for each practitioner; follow the destination and signature instructions on that packet.
• For MDs, return requested medical-record authorizations promptly. The DO page links distinct releases for the subject, other providers/facilities, and Kaiser records.
• For PAs, sign and date the complaint, include supporting copies, and complete the subject release plus the relevant provider/facility or Kaiser release. If signing for a deceased patient, supply the representative documentation requested by the form.

Supporting guidance: California Medical Board: file a complaint ↗California Medical Board: consumer complaint guide ↗California Osteopathic Board: file a complaint ↗California PA Board: complaint information ↗California PA Board: complaint packet ↗

What this route may not provide

The MD and PA boards address care, prescribing, impairment, misconduct, records, and related licensing violations. They cannot coordinate treatment or award compensation and generally exclude ordinary fee disputes. The DO page confirms disciplinary review; its precise financial-remedy limits were not established here.

Supporting guidance: California Medical Board: file a complaint ↗California PA Board: complaint information ↗California Osteopathic Board: file a complaint ↗

Do not guess about confidentiality

The DO and PA boards accept anonymous complaints but warn that missing evidence may prevent investigation. Medical-record requests identify the patient. MD investigative information is generally confidential from the public, but the complaint must be discussed with the physician; do not assume anonymity.

Supporting guidance: California Osteopathic Board: file a complaint ↗California PA Board: complaint review FAQ ↗California Medical Board: investigation FAQ ↗

MD discipline timing differs from a filing deadline

The MD guide describes a seven-year disciplinary restriction, with exceptions for sexual misconduct, minors' care, and intentional concealment. Ask immediately how it applies. DO and PA filing deadlines were not established by this check; do not transfer the MD rule to them. PA reviews can take months.

Supporting guidance: California Medical Board: consumer complaint guide ↗California PA Board: complaint review FAQ ↗

What may happen after filing

MD and PA review can include records, a practitioner response, and medical-expert review. Matters may close for insufficient evidence or advance to investigation and discipline. The DO page confirms complaint investigation but does not establish every later stage.

Supporting guidance: California Medical Board: consumer complaint guide ↗California PA Board: complaint review FAQ ↗California Osteopathic Board: file a complaint ↗

Prepare a reviewable submission

State the concern you want reviewed, then add a short chronology, best supporting records, factual consequences, and a specific request for review.