How to Register a Complaint

All complaints must be submitted in writing.

You can submit your complaint using our online complaint form, or

To download a complaint form in Adobe Acrobat PDF* format that can be printed, filled out and then mailed, please use the link below:

Osteopathic Medical Board Consumer Complaint Form

To request a consumer complaint form be mailed to you, please call or write the board:

Osteopathic Medical Board of California
1300 National Drive
Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834-1991
(916) 928-8390

If you have a complaint about a medical doctor (M.D.), contact the Medical Board of California's Central Complaint Unit at (1-800-633-2322) or (916) 263-2424 or online at www.mbc.ca.gov.

One of the most important ways the Osteopathic Medical Board protects consumers is by investigating consumer complaints. The board reviews complaints against osteopathic physicians and surgeons in a variety of areas.

Complaints the Osteopathic Medical Board may address:

  • Quality of care and treatment provided by an osteopathic physician.
  • Violation of drug-prescribing laws.
  • Substance abuse by an osteopathic physician.
  • Sexual misconduct or other unprofessional conduct.
  • Dishonesty (including filing fraudulent insurance/Medi-Cal/Medicare Claims).
  • Aiding the practice of medicine by an unlicensed individual.

The Osteopathic Medical Board does not have authority over:

  • Fee or billing disputes.
  • General business practices.
  • Personality conflicts.
  • Health-care providers licensed by other boards, bureaus or agencies – i.e. hospitals, laboratories and health maintenance organizations. (Please contact the Department of Health Service www.dhcs.ca.gov, Department of Public Health www.cdph.ca.gov, or Department of Managed Care www.dmhc.ca.gov for more information.)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How long will it take to process my complaint?
A: The entire complaint review, investigation, and legal review process could be lengthy depending on the complexity of the case. During the investigation stage, all information is confidential and may not be discussed. When a case is resolved, the person filing the complaint will be notified of the action taken by the Board except in the case of anonymous complaints.

Q: What happens if the Board takes action against a physician?
A: You will be notified in writing as to the final outcome. Only those physicians who have been served with a citation and fine, or have been placed on probation, or had an accusation, suspension, or revocation of their license will have their names posted on our web site. A citation and fine is NOT considered an enforcement action.

Q: Can I only complain to the Board? Is there somewhere I can file a complaint or take action?
A: Any actions taken by the Osteopathic Medical Board are separate from other criminal or civil remedies that may be available to you. You may want to seek legal counsel, contact local law enforcement, and/or seek information about the Small Claims Court Process. If you decide to seek other legal remedies, do not wait until the Board completes their investigation before you contact a legal counsel as there may be civil or criminal statutes of limitations that could expire prior to the Board action.