Developed more than 130 years ago by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., osteopathic medicine brings a unique philosophy to traditional medicine. Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) are fully licensed to prescribe medication and practice in all medical specialty areas including surgery, just like any physician, and they are also trained to consider the health of the whole person and use their hands to help diagnose and treat their patient.
D.O.s make up one of the fastest growing segments of health care professionals in the United States. California has the fourth largest osteopathic population in the United States. Business and Professions Code section 3600 (Osteopathic Initiative Act) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, “Professional and Vocational Regulations,” Division 16, section 1600 et. seq., authorize the Osteopathic Medical Board of California (OMBC) to license qualified osteopathic physicians and surgeons to practice osteopathic medicine, and to effectuate the enforcement of laws and regulations governing their practice (Medical Practice Act). The act provides that consumer protection is their highest priority in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions.
OMBC is a fully functioning board within the Department of Consumer Affairs with the responsibility and sole authority to issue licenses to physicians and surgeons to practice osteopathic medicine in California. OMBC is also responsible for enforcing legal and professional standards to protect California consumers from incompetent, negligent, or unprofessional D.O.s. OMBC regulates D.O.s only.
Mission:
To protect the public by requiring competency, accountability, and integrity in the safe practice of medicine by osteopathic physicians and surgeons.
Vision:
The Osteopathic Medical Board upholds the highest standards of quality and care by our physicians; continuing to utilize technology and innovation to enhance and deliver an outstanding level of public protection.
Values:
- Collaborative
- Health
- Inclusion
- Proactive
- Diversity
- Innovation
- Professional
Visit the Osteopathic Board’s Website at: https://www.ombc.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook and Twitter
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
- Consumer Complaint Form
- Consumer Info
- Job Vacancies
- On-line Services
- Subscribe to E-Mail Alerts
- Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California
