SB-920 Medical Board of California: investigations: record requests (Wicks) This bill would authorize a Medical Board investigator to inspect the business location and records of a physician or surgeon, including patient and client records, without the need for patient consent or a court subpoena. This bill would authorize the Medical Board of California to request records and other information from a pharmacist in conducting an investigation of a licensee. Section 3 of SB 920 would expand the voice of complainants by allowing their statements to be considered by the division or board for purposes of adjudicating the case to which the statement pertains.
CURRENT STATUS: Author has decided to pull the bill. First hearing on April 4, 2022 at 10:00am in Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. Referred to Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee.
Talking Points for Sb 920
Specific Ask: Oppose SB 920 or abstain from voting on the bill.
Main Talking Points
- The bill is too broad in granting access to patient and client records.
- The California Constitution gives each citizen an "inalienable right" to pursue and obtain "privacy.” Many other California laws protect the medical information of individuals. The courts have ruled this protection applies to information the Medical Board wishes to obtain.
- The Medical Board can gain access to patient records through the proper means of patient consent or a simple judicial proceeding to obtain a court subpoena based on good cause.
