1110 Department of Consumer Affairs, Boards
Program Descriptions

1100 - CALIFORNIA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY

The California Board of Accountancy (Board) regulates over 81,000 licensees, the largest group of accounting professionals in the nation. By authority of the California 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); registers CPA and PA partnerships and corporations; receives and investigates complaints; takes enforcement actions against licensees for violation of Board statutes and regulations; monitors compliance with continuing education requirements; and reviews the work products of CPAs, PAs, and CPA firms to ensure adherence to professional standards.

1105 - 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.

1110 - 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.

1115 - BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

The Board of Behavioral Sciences licenses and regulates Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Educational Psychologists, and 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.

1120 - BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS

The Board of Chiropractic Examiners protects California consumers from fraudulent, negligent, or incompetent practices of chiropractic care. The Board ensures that providers are adequately trained and meet recognized standards of performance for treatment and practice. The Board uses licensing, continuing education, and disciplinary procedures to maintain those standards. It also sets educational standards for recognized chiropractic colleges, reviews complaints, and investigates possible violations of the Chiropractic Act and regulations.

1125 - 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.

1130 - 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.

1135 - DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Dental Board of California licenses and regulates dentists, registered dental assistants, and registered dental assistants in extended functions. The Board assures the initial and continued competence of its licensees through licensure, investigation of complaints against its licensees, and discipline of those found in violation of the Dental Practice Act (Business and Professions Code sections 1600 et seq.), monitoring licensees whose licenses have been placed on probation, and managing the Diversion Program for licensees whose practice may be impaired due to abuse of dangerous drugs or alcohol.

The Board's objective is to protect and promote the health and safety of consumers in the State of 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.

1140 - DENTAL HYGIENE COMMITTEE OF CALIFORNIA

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.

1145 - 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.

1150 - MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Medical Board of California licenses and regulates physicians, midwives, 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.

Pursuant to Chapter 405, Statutes of 2015 (AB 684, Alejo), the regulation of opticians, spectacle lens dispensers and contact lens dispensers was transferred from the Medical Board of California to the California State Board of Optometry effective January, 2016. For display simplicity, the Governor's Budget reflects the move effective July 1, 2016.

1155 - ACUPUNCTURE BOARD

The Acupuncture Board (Board) licenses and regulates individuals practicing acupuncture pursuant to the Acupuncture Licensure Act. The Board administers an examination that tests an applicant's ability, competency, and knowledge in the practice of an acupuncturist; issues licenses to qualified practitioners; approves and monitors students in tutorial programs; approves acupuncture schools and continuing education providers and courses; and enforces the Acupuncture Licensure Act.

1160 - 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.

1165 - PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT BOARD

The Physician Assistant Board licenses and regulates physician assistants; enforces laws and regulations relating to physician assistant practice; 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.

1170 - 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.

1175 - BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY

The Board of Psychology's primary objective is to protect consumers of psychological services from the unsafe and unlicensed 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.

1180 - 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.

1185 - SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING AID DISPENSERS BOARD

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (Board) licenses and regulates Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers, along with other personnel registered to assist in the delivery of speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensing services. 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 licensed providers, and further protects hearing-impaired consumers by informing them of their legal rights and obligations when purchasing or returning hearing aids. In addition to ensuring licensing requirements are met, 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.

1190 - 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.

1195 - 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. The Board also regulates opticians, spectacle lens dispensers, and contact lens dispensers.

Pursuant to Chapter 405, Statutes of 2015 (AB 684, Alejo), the regulation of opticians, spectacle lens dispensers and contact lens dispensers was transferred from the Medical Board of California to the California State Board of Optometry effective January, 2016. For display simplicity, the Governor's Budget reflects the move effective July 1, 2016.

1200 - 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.

1205 - 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.

1210 - 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.

1215 - BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, LAND SURVEYORS, AND GEOLOGISTS

The Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists is mandated to protect the public by regulating the practices of professional engineering, land surveying, geology, and geophysics. The Board ensures that these professions are properly educated and have the technical expertise to be licensed. It examines, licenses, and registers these individuals and enforces the Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Geologists and Geophysicists Act.

1220 - 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.

1225 - 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.

1230 - STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL BOARD

The Structural Pest Control 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.

1235 - VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD

The Veterinary Medical Board is responsible for protecting consumers and animals through the development and maintenance of professional standards, licensing of veterinarians and veterinary premises, registration of veterinary technicians, permitting of veterinary assistants, 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.

1236 - VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD PET LOVER'S LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM

The objective of this program is to ensure that proceeds from the sale of specialized license plates, issued under this program sponsored by the Veterinary Medical Board, are used to provide grants to providers of no-cost or low-cost animal sterilization services pursuant to Chapter 375, Statutes of 2014 (SB 1323, Lieu). This funding supports the efforts of city and county animal shelters to address animal care and control problems facing the state.

1240 - 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.