Licensed Midwifery Practice Act of 1993: complaints.

Existing law, the Licensed Midwifery Practice Act of 1993, provides for the licensure of midwives by the Medical Board of California. The act authorizes the board to suspend, revoke, or place on probation the license of a midwife for, among other things, unprofessional conduct, procuring a license by fraud or misrepresentation, or procuring, aiding, or abetting a criminal abortion. The act requires a complaint that is determined to involve the quality of care to meet a specified criteria before the complaint is referred to a field office for further investigation. In this regard, a complaint involving the quality of care must include the review of relevant client records, a statement or explanation of the care and treatment provided by the licensed midwife, any additional expert testimony or literature provided by the licensed midwife, and any additional facts or information requested by the medical expert reviewers. This bill, if the board does not receive the information required for a complaint involving the quality of care within 10 business days, would authorize the complaint to be reviewed by medical experts and referred to a field office for investigation without the information. The bill would also specify that these provisions do not impede the board's ability to seek and obtain an interim suspension order or other emergency relief.