1110 Department of Consumer Affairs, Boards
Program Descriptions

03 - CALIFORNIA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY

The California Board of Accountancy (Board) regulates over 77,000 licensees, the largest group of accounting professionals in the nation. By authority of the Accountancy Act, the Board qualifies California candidates for the National Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination; certifies, licenses, and renews licenses of individual CPAs and Public Accountants (PA); and registers CPA and PA partnerships and corporations; receives and investigates complaints; and takes enforcement actions against licensees for violation of Board statutes and regulations.

06 - CALIFORNIA ARCHITECTS BOARD

The California Architects Board's objectives are to ensure that only those persons possessing the necessary minimum qualifications are licensed as architects, to enforce the provisions of the Architect Practice Act and subsequent regulations, and to establish and enforce levels of professional competence, eliminate unlicensed activity, and provide consumer/industry education.

09 - STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION

The State Athletic Commission approves, manages, and directs all professional and amateur boxing and full-contact martial arts events. The Commission protects consumers by ensuring bouts are fair and competitive while protecting the health and safety of participants.

18 - BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

The Board of Behavioral Sciences licenses and regulates marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed educational psychologists, and, beginning January 1, 2011, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors. The confidential and sensitive nature of services these licensees perform necessitates the development and enforcement of performance standards and competence consistent with the public welfare. The Board ensures that minimum competency standards are met by establishing educational and experience requirements, conducting examinations, investigating violations of professional ethics and law, and disciplining licensees when appropriate.

22 - BOARD OF BARBERING AND COSMETOLOGY

The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licenses barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, estheticians, and manicurists after determining, through an examination, that applicants possess the minimum skills and qualifications necessary to provide safe and effective services to the public. The Board conducts both routine and directed health and safety inspections of licensed establishments operating in the state. The Board also investigates allegations of unprofessional conduct, gross negligence, incompetence, fraud, or unlicensed activity. When warranted, the Board takes disciplinary action. The Board's mission is to protect consumers from harm by licensees through its licensing and enforcement programs.

30 - CONTRACTORS' STATE LICENSE BOARD

The Contractors' State License Board protects consumers by regulating the construction industry through policies that promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public in matters relating to construction. The Board accomplishes this by ensuring that construction is performed in a safe, competent and professional manner; licensing contractors and enforcing licensing laws; providing resolution to disputes that arise from construction activities; and educating consumers so that they make informed choices.

36 - DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Dental Board of California establishes minimal standards of competency for those individuals seeking to practice as a dentist, registered dental hygienist, registered dental assistant, dental auxiliary in extended function, or dental hygienist in alternative practice. The Board enforces standards to protect California dental consumers from incompetent dental practitioners, and the utilization of dental auxiliaries contributes to providing quality dental services to Californians.

Effective January 1, 2009, the State Dental Assistant Committee (Committee) was created and assumed the duties of the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries with regard to dental assistants, pursuant to Chapter 31, Statutes of 2008 (SB 853).

The Committee manages the licensing and examination processes for dental assistants, coordinates the approval process (including curriculum and site evaluation) of postsecondary dental assisting vocational education programs, and makes recommendations to the Dental Board on all aspects of the dental assisting profession. This includes making recommendations regarding legislation and regulations that affect dental assistants.

47 - DENTAL HYGIENE COMMITTEE OF CALIFORNIA

Effective January, 1, 2009, the Dental Hygiene Committee of California (Committee) was created and assumed the duties of the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries with regard to dental hygienists, pursuant to Chapter 31, Statutes of 2008 (SB 853).

The Committee issues, reviews, and revokes licenses, develops and administers examinations, adopts regulations, and determines fees and continuing education requirements for all hygiene licensure categories.

54 - STATE BOARD OF GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND

The State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind's primary objectives are to protect the safety of blind guide dog users by ensuring that instructors and schools possess minimum qualifications and are licensed, and to enforce licensing standards for performance and conduct.

55 - MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Medical Board of California licenses and regulates physicians, midwives, opticians, spectacle lens dispensers, contact lens dispensers and research psychoanalysts. The Board assures the initial and continued competence of the health professions and occupations under its jurisdiction through licensure, investigation of complaints against its licensees, and discipline of those found guilty of violations of the law or regulations.

The Board's objective is to improve the quality of medical services within California. To accomplish this objective, the Board must ensure that only those persons possessing the necessary education, examination and experience qualifications receive licenses; all licentiates obtain the required continuing medical education training; consumers are informed of their rights and how complaints may be directed to the Board; consumer complaints against licentiates are promptly, thoroughly and fairly investigated; and appropriate action is taken against licentiates whose care or behavior is outside of acceptable standards.

56 - ACUPUNCTURE BOARD

The Acupuncture Board licenses and regulates individuals practicing acupuncture pursuant to the Acupuncture Licensure Act. Acupuncture is a theory and method for treatment of illness and disability and for strengthening and invigorating the body.

58 - PHYSICAL THERAPY BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Physical Therapy Board of California licenses and regulates physical therapists. Physical therapists in independent practice treat patients who have disabilities resulting from accidents, congenital defects or illnesses. To ensure proper patient evaluation and treatment, those physical therapists must meet the minimum standards established according to law. This is accomplished by licensing those who possess the necessary qualifications, enforcing standards of ethical conduct established for licensees, and policing against unlicensed practice.

59 - PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT COMMITTEE

The Physician Assistant Committee licenses and regulates physician assistants; enforces laws and regulations relating to physician assistant practice vigorously and objectively; encourages utilization of physician assistants in medically-underserved areas; seeks ways and means to rehabilitate drug or alcohol impaired physician assistants; and encourages development of new physician assistant training programs and expansion of existing programs.

61 - CALIFORNIA BOARD OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE

The California Board of Podiatric Medicine (BPM) licenses Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) and all podiatric medical postgraduate residents. All specialized U.S. schools of podiatric medicine and all DPM postgraduate programs in California must apply for approval each academic year from the seven-member Board. BPM utilizes Medical Board complaint, investigation, discipline coordination, and verifications staff through Shared Services.

62 - BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY

The Board of Psychology's primary objective is to protect consumers of psychological services from the unsafe and unqualified practice of psychology. Additionally, the Board focuses resources to educate its public (consumers, licensees, registrants and applicants) about the laws and regulations relating to the practice of psychology and other related issues. The Board ensures that those entering the profession possess minimal competency to safely practice psychology independently. Each license applicant must possess an appropriate doctorate degree and also pass a national Examination for the Professional Practice in Psychology and a California Psychology Supplemental Examination.

64 - RESPIRATORY CARE BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Respiratory Care Board of California protects the public from the unauthorized and unqualified practice of respiratory care and from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice respiratory care.

65 - SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING AID DISPENSERS BOARD

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board (Board) licenses and regulates Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Thousands of California citizens experience congenital or acquired speech, language, hearing, swallowing and balance disorders. The Board protects consumers by requiring adherence to statutes and regulations designed to ensure the qualifications and competency of providers of speech-language pathology and audiology services. In addition to ensuring minimum educational requirements, the Board oversees a continuing professional development program to maintain clinical relevance. The Board is also responsible for protecting consumers from unlicensed, incompetent and unethical practitioners by investigating complaints regarding possible violations of the laws and regulations.

Effective January 1, 2010, the Bureau of Hearing Aid Dispensers was abolished and the duties of the Bureau were transferred to the renamed Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board pursuant to Chapter 309, Statutes of 2009 (AB 1535).

The Hearing Aid Dispensing Committee licenses and regulates hearing aid dispensers, and protects hearing-impaired consumers by informing them of their legal rights and obligations when purchasing or returning hearing aids and protects consumers by maintaining advertising standards.

67 - CALIFORNIA BOARD OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

The California Board of Occupational Therapy is responsible for regulating two types of practitioners: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants. Occupational Therapists work with people suffering from various disabilities to develop, improve, or restore functional daily living skills. The Board's mission is to regulate these professions to ensure that the public receives the highest level of therapeutic care available.

The Board is authorized to: (1) grant a license or certificate to those practitioners who have met specified requirements, (2) enforce the law and discipline violators, (3) provide for the renewal of a license or certificate, and (4) develop the necessary continuing education requirements for the profession.

69 - STATE BOARD OF OPTOMETRY

The State Board of Optometry is mandated to protect the public from the unauthorized and unqualified practice of optometry and from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice optometry through its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions.

70 - OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Osteopathic Medical Board of California sets and enforces standards for licensure of California osteopathic physicians and surgeons. By conducting examinations, investigations, and disciplinary proceedings, the Board ensures that recognized standards of practice and treatment are maintained by its licentiates.

Effective October 23, 2009, the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine was abolished and the duties of the Bureau were transferred to the Osteopathic Medical Board of California pursuant to Chapter 18, Statutes of 2009 (AB X4 20).

71 - NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE COMMITTEE

The Naturopathic Medicine Committee (Committee) implements and enforces the Naturopathic Doctors Act by licensing and regulating naturopathic doctors in California. The Committee ensures that naturopathic doctors meet required educational and practice standards before licensure and investigates complaints against its licensees, disciplining those individuals found guilty of violations of law or regulation.

Effective October 23, 2009, the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine was abolished and the duties of the Bureau were transferred to the Osteopathic Medical Board of California pursuant to Chapter 18, Statutes of 2009 (AB X4 20).

72 - CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY

The California State Board of Pharmacy regulates both the individuals and firms that ship, store, transfer, and dispense prescription drugs and devices to the state's patients and health care providers. The Board's objectives are to: (1) promote and protect public health and safety through enforcement of pharmacy law, (2) ensure that licensees are qualified and competent to practice their profession safely and effectively, and (3) support the full use of the pharmacist's knowledge and expertise in drug therapy to effect better patient care.

75 - BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS

The Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors licenses and regulates engineers and land surveyors. The planning and design of public or private utilities, structures, machines and projects, and the determination of property lines and preparation of official maps require adequate education and technical expertise. The Board ensures that engineers and land surveyors meet professional standards. It examines, licenses, and registers these individuals and enforces the Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors' Act.

Effective October 23, 2009, the Board for Geology and Geophysicists was abolished, and the duties of the Board were transferred to the Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors pursuant to Chapter 18, Statutes of 2009 (AB X4 20).

The Geologists and Geophysicists Program within the Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors examines and licenses qualified geologists and geophysicists; develops policies, rules and regulations; handles complaints and violations of the law by licensees and nonlicensees; and provides education about environmental cleanups, site assessments, real estate development, and seismic issues to the public through an extensive web-based Public Outreach program.

78 - BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING

The Board of Registered Nursing ensures that registered nurses are competent and safe to practice through: (1) sound licensing standards, (2) an effective enforcement program to prosecute violations of the Nursing Practice Act, (3) a diversion program to intervene with chemically dependent or mentally ill nurses, (4) oversight of nursing school programs, and (5) education efforts.

81 - COURT REPORTERS BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Court Reporters Board of California certifies persons who have met basic, minimum standards of practice to provide the public with competent and impartial verbatim reporting of depositions and oral court/judicial proceedings. The Board also regulates court-reporting schools by specifying curriculum standards. The Board receives and investigates complaints, disciplines reporters and schools, and administers a fund that provides free transcripts to indigent civil litigants.

84 - STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL BOARD

The Structural Pest Control Board (Board) licenses and regulates Structural Pest Control Operators and companies. Scientific and professional standards are necessary to assure the public that persons obtain and maintain the skills and knowledge to inspect the structural condition of buildings for pests and wood-destroying organisms, identify pests and organisms, apply chemicals, and recommend and implement other means to control structural pests. The Board's objective is to license those persons that possess the necessary qualifications to professionally perform structural pest control work and to assist consumers in resolving disputes with pest control companies.

Effective October 23, 2009, the Board was transferred to the Department of Pesticide Regulations pursuant to Chapter 18, Statutes of 2009 (AB X4 20).

90 - VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD

The Veterinary Medical Board is responsible for protecting consumers and animals through development and maintenance of professional standards, licensing of veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and veterinary premises, and diligent enforcement of the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.

Veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians protect the health and welfare of animals and the public through prevention, control, and eradication of animal diseases. Examination ensures minimum competency through licensure. Enforcement of minimum standards of practice is carried out through unannounced inspections of veterinary hospitals and mobile facilities. The Board further responds to complaints, investigates alleged violations, and has the authority to administer fines and suspend or revoke licenses.

91 - BOARD OF VOCATIONAL NURSING AND PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIANS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians' (Board) mission is to protect the public. Public protection is paramount to the Board and its highest priority in exercising its licensing, regulatory and disciplinary functions. Toward this end, the Board ensures that only qualified persons are licensed vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians by enforcing education requirements, standards of practice and by educating consumers of their rights.