Regulatory boards: expert consultants.

Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of various professions and vocations by boards within the Department of Consumer Affairs. Existing law, the Chiropractic Act, enacted by initiative, provides for the licensure and regulation of chiropractors by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Existing law, the Osteopathic Act, requires the Osteopathic Medical Board of California to regulate osteopathic physicians and surgeons. Existing law generally requires applicants for a license to pass an examination and authorizes boards to take disciplinary action against licensees for violations of law. Existing law establishes standards relating to personal service contracts in state employment. This bill would authorize these boards to enter into an agreement with an expert consultant, subject to the standards regarding personal service contracts described above, to provide enforcement and examination assistance. The bill would require each board to establish policies and procedures for the selection and use of these consultants. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.