Senate Bill 304, the California Medical Board sunset legislation, was meant to be the vehicle for broad reform of the doctor discipline system in California. Last minute amendments on August 12, 2013, eliminated a key enforcement reform that would have moved all staff investigating dangerous doctors into the Department of Justice. The bill now moves investigative staff to the Department of Consumer Affairs, keeping enforcement staff split, which Consumer Watchdog groups argue has become ineffective.
The bill was also amended on August 12, 2013, to extend the life of the California Medical Board for four years. The Bill previously allowed the Board to sunset at the end of this year. Senate Bill 304 was on call after a 6-2 vote and is expected to pass.