Calif. Medical Board gains clout

The California Medical Board will gain broad new powers to investigate complaints and go after problem physicians, following changes which go into effect January 1. Under the state's new system, the board will work more closely with the state's attorney general's office. Investigators will also have the power to impose heavy fines on doctors who try to block access to their records. The changes, as well as a number of others, will be financed by a 30 percent increase in the Board's licensing fee for physicians.

- see this article from the San Diego Union Tribune