California Medical Board Member Pushes for Greater Transparency when Doctors are Investigated
Patient advocates have long pushed the Medical Board of California to share more information about potentially dangerous doctors.
Investigations Take Years to Complete, Leaving Patients in the Dark
Investigations by the Medical Board of California can take an average of three years to complete, during which time the majority of doctors are allowed to continue practicing, with no indication of complaints or investigations underway on the board’s website. This lack of transparency leaves patients unaware of potentially serious issues with their doctor, as demonstrated by the case of Chalene Johnson, who had a negative experience with plastic surgeon Dr. Arian Mowlavi.
A Lack of Transparency
Johnson checked the medical board website to look up Dr. Mowlavi’s record before her operation and found a clean record. However, three weeks after her surgery, she learned that an accusation by the medical board had been posted on Mowlavi’s profile, related to the death of one of his patients three years earlier. Johnson was stunned and expressed her concern about the lack of transparency, stating, "If we’re going to be placing our lives in the hands of a doctor, we should know their history."
Medical Board Member Calls for Change
Medical Board member TJ Watkins is concerned about the lack of transparency and is pushing for change. He wants to propose a legislative packet that would provide public notice on the medical board’s website when a doctor is being investigated. This would have to be approved by the state legislature.
A Higher Standard for Contractors, Not Doctors
Watkins points out that another board managed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, which regulates contractors, has a feature that shows which contractors are being investigated. He argues that this is an unacceptable standard, as contractors are held to a higher standard than doctors operating on patients.
The Current State of Affairs
The medical board has repeatedly told NBC4 that it cannot address or confirm active investigations because they are confidential by law. Watkins, however, believes that this is not a sufficient reason for the lack of transparency and is pushing for a legislative change.
The Case of Dr. Mowlavi
Dr. Mowlavi, the plastic surgeon involved in Johnson’s case, was arraigned on criminal charges by the Orange County DA’s office and has pleaded not guilty. He is prohibited from performing major surgeries with general anesthesia until his trial concludes. His license on the medical board website shows "renewed and current," but also references an additional accusation filed, probation with suspension, and a court order limiting his practice of medicine.
Conclusion
The lack of transparency in the Medical Board of California’s investigation process raises serious concerns about patient safety. As a patient, it is crucial to have access to accurate and timely information about a doctor’s history. Medical Board member TJ Watkins’ proposal for legislative change is a step in the right direction, and it is essential that patients and healthcare professionals advocate for greater transparency in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the Medical Board of California’s investigation process so lengthy?
The average investigation takes around three years to complete. - Why are doctors allowed to continue practicing while under investigation?
The Medical Board of California cannot confirm or deny active investigations due to confidentiality laws. - How can patients ensure they are getting accurate information about their doctor’s history?
Patients can check the Medical Board of California’s website, but it does not provide information on active investigations.