Watchdog Wants California Patients To Know If Their Doctor Is On Probation

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Hundreds of California physicians are on disciplinary probation for misconduct, and almost two dozen are right here in the Sacramento area.

You probably have no idea who they are, because they aren't required to tell you.

The Medical Board of California says unless you research it yourself, your doctor isn't required to disclose their misconduct.

A recent Sacramento Business Journal report shows nearly 500 doctors on disciplinary probation, including 21 in the Sacramento region.

Now a Bay Area watchdog group, Consumers Union, is filing a petition demanding the medical board require all California doctors under disciplinary probation reveal their status to patients.

"We are aware of the need for consumers to be aware of the status of their physician," board spokeswoman Cassandra Hockenson said.

The petition will be addressed at the next board meeting on Oct. 30.

Hockenson says patients can examine their own doctor by going to the state's website.

"You can not only find out if they're on probation, but why," she said.

But regardless of past misconduct, some patients like Stephanie Metcalf trust their doctor.

"I think it's their personal right to have whatever they did wrong personal. If they get punished for it that's their business," she said.

Others want to trust, but verify.

"If they have an issue that is personal, how are they going to take care of you?" said Rachel Grant.

Click here to check your doctor's status