California Lawmaker Calls For Transparency With Doctors' Probation Records

A state lawmaker wants patients to be able to know if their doctor has been put on probation by the Medical Board of California.

A report by the state Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development says more than 600 physicians are on administrative probation.

Doctors were disciplined for allegations such as sexual misconduct with patients, performing surgery under the influence of controlled substances and health care fraud.

Although physicians must report their probation to their employer and insurance company, they are not obligated to inform patients.

Jerry Hill is Chair of the Committee. He says patients need to be able to make appropriate health care decisions.

"There is no one watching or overseeing the physician to make sure that those terms of probation are being followed," Hill says. "It meets and requires, and I think, it mandates that the patient takes responsibility for their own health care in this case."

The committee recommends amending current law to require physicians to tell their patients they're on probation.

A legislative committee will review the board Monday.