CA AB1848

Requires out-of-state licensed physicians and surgeons to obtain authorization from the Medical Board of California before providing expert witness testimony related to medical practice in any California legal proceeding.

Authorization applicants must submit copies of valid licenses from all states where licensed, photographic identification, and declarations regarding prior California license applications and criminal convictions.

Board must approve or deny authorization requests within 20 calendar days of receipt; requests are deemed approved if board fails to respond within 20 business days.

Authorized physicians receive a two-year expert witness registration that does not permit them to practice medicine but subjects them to disciplinary action by the board.

Filing fees for authorization requests are deposited in the Medical Board's Contingent Fund to cover costs of developing the authorization process and processing requests, subject to legislative appropriation.