Medical Board of California Town Hall Meeting May 2, 2025 Areas of interest(s): MBC On April 30, 2025, your SMCMA hosted its Q2 Virtual Town Hall meeting featuring the Medical Board of California’s Executive Director, Mr. Reji Varghese. The Town Hall event, titled MBC Updates, included a robust presentation by Mr. Varghese followed by a Question & Answer period moderated by SMCMA President Dr. Connor Lundy. During the event, Mr. Varghese discussed key changes regarding mental health questions on licensing applications, highlighting a shift from intrusive inquiries to a more supportive approach that encourages physicians to seek care without fear of recourse. The meeting also covered issues related to probation and disciplinary actions, licensing processes, and the complexities of jurisdictional overlaps in scope of practice. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the challenges in processing probation termination, including delays and associated fees. Mr. Varghese also provided details and background information about the 2025 MBC sponsored legislation to create a Physician Health and Wellness Program. AB 408 (Berman), supported by CMA and your SMCMA, would establish a Physician Health and Wellness program that aligns with national best practices and focuses on early intervention and a proactive approach to address mental health and burnout issues. The legislation also includes confidentiality provisions to ensure that physicians seeking treatment are not subject to unnecessary disciplinary actions that have nothing to do with their ability to practice medicine. Mr. Varghese explained that the MBC held multiple public meetings to gather stakeholder input to shape the program, and the legislation is currently progressing through the Assembly without a great deal of opposition. However, Mr. Varghese also noted that current advocacy towards AB 408 should be directed towards the CA Senate, which is expected to draw much greater scrutiny and opposition. SMCMA leadership is grateful for the willingness of the MBC to have this type of open dialogue with our members, highlighting their desired shift in physician perception from a punitive enforcement agency to an organization that seeks input and direction from their physician licensees to promote quality medical care through its licensing, policy, and regulatory functions. Be on the lookout for future SMCMA Town Hall events that feature a range of topics that impact healthcare and the practice of medicine.
