History

The Osteopathic Medical Board of California (OMBC) was established in 1922 when the Osteopathic Initiative Act was passed by electorate. Initially, the Board was comprised of five Osteopathic Physicians appointed by the Governor to staggered three year terms. In 1991 two Public members were added to the Board, also serving three year terms.

In 2002, the Board volunteered to be included under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). The affiliation with the DCA and access to its resources has strengthened the OMBC.

The OMBC is charged with a mission of public protection as defined in the Medical Practice Act. This charge is met through Board functions of LICENSING and ENFORCEMENT.

Licensing:

It is the responsibility of the Board to ensure that all Osteopathic licensees:
Have appropriate training and credentials.
That they are graduates of accredited osteopathic colleges.
That they have at least one year of postgraduate training.
That for biennial re-licensure they have the required continuing education.
That there have been no adverse actions on the license in the interval.

Enforcement:

The Board monitors physician's practices for the safety of the public:
Investigates all consumer complaints.
Refers cases to medical consultants for review.
Refers cases deemed to have merit to the offices of the Attorney General.
Monitors physicians who have been placed on probation.
Maintains a Diversion Program for Physician rehabilitation.