The California Acupuncture Board (Board) is a regulatory body under the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). The Board’s legal mandate is to regulate the practice of Asian medicine through acupuncture in California and is the sole issuer of acupuncture licenses in the state. The Board establishes and maintains entry standards of qualification and conduct within the acupuncture profession, primarily through its authority to license. The Board regulates 12,185 active licensed acupuncturists. The Board’s highest priority is protection of the public when exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions. The Board may investigate the criminal conviction history of applicants and licensees, subsequent arrests, allegations of unprofessional conduct, and unsafe or incompetent practice by licensees. Additionally, the Board may discipline licensees who may jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of consumers.
History of the Acupuncture Board
The Board of Medical Examiners (now called the Medical Board of California) began regulating acupuncture in 1972 under provisions that authorized the practice of acupuncture under the supervision of a licensed physician as part of acupuncture research in medical schools. In 1975, Senate Bill 86 (Chapter 267, Statutes of 1975) created the Acupuncture Advisory Committee under the Board of Medical Examiners and allowed the practice of acupuncture, but only upon a prior diagnosis or referral by a licensed physician, chiropractor, or dentist. In 1976, California became the eighth state to license acupuncturists. Subsequent legislation in 1978 established acupuncture as a “primary health care profession” by eliminating the requirement for prior diagnosis or referral by a licensed physician, chiropractor, or dentist. In 1980, the law was amended to abolish the Acupuncture Advisory Committee and replace it with the Acupuncture Examining Committee within the Division of Allied Health Professions with limited autonomous authority.
Mission:
To protect the people of California by upholding acupuncture practice standards through the oversight and enforcement of the Acupuncture Licensure Act.
Vision:
The exemplary practice of acupuncture for the health and safety of the people of California.
Values:
- Consumer Protection
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Professionalism
Visit the Acupuncture Board’s Website at: https://www.acupuncture.ca.gov/.
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
When in the market for a new home or property, prospective buyers typically work with a real estate salesperson to review listings and eventually, place an offer on the property they would like to purchase. Once an offer is accepted, there are multiple steps that take place before the buyer gets the keys in hand. One of those important steps is: the appraisal.
The purpose of the appraisal is to assess the value of the property, which in turn impacts lending, down payment, future equity and more. The appraiser is generally hired by the lender or financial institution funding the loan and is paid for by the buyer as part of the property sale.
The law prohibits real estate appraisers from bringing negative influences of one’s race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, source of income, sexual orientation, familial status, employment status, or military status of either the present or prospective owners or occupants of the subject property, or of the present owners or occupants of the properties in the vicinity of the subject property, or on any other basis prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act.
An appraisal is typically a 1–2-hour process that involves an all-around look at the property for its value, and a comparison with similar recent sales. Following the appraisal, a property value is determined. Unlike agents or brokers, real estate appraisers are not involved in selling the property, and charge fees as opposed to earning commissions.
In California, the state agency charged with regulating the professionals that conduct real estate appraisals is the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA). Appraisers must be licensed by BREA and are required to meeting certain training and educational requirements in order to obtain licensure.
Consumers are encouraged to verify the real estate appraiser involved in their real estate transaction is licensed by BREA. A license can be verified by using BREA’s appraiser search feature.
Consumers with concerns regarding the appraiser are encouraged to contact BREA to file a complaint. Visit the Bureau’s website to start the process.
If you are interested in a career as a real estate appraiser, BREA’s Licensing Handbook can guide you through the process.
RESOURCES
Transition of care of the historic cemetery begins
SACRAMENTO – The cemetery and cemetery manager licenses issued by the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau (Bureau) to Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Carson have been cancelled at the owner’s request, effective August 8, 2023.
Following the license cancellations, the cemetery is considered unlicensed, abandoned and outside of the Bureau’s regulatory authority. However, in these circumstances, there are laws in place that will allow for the future care and maintenance of the property by the city or county, along with reimbursement through income available in the cemetery’s endowment care fund. The law also outlines the authority of a court to appoint a temporary manager and the ability of the county to assume responsibility in circumstances when a temporary manager is not appointed.
Additionally, the Bureau can authorize licensed funeral homes to perform burials at the cemetery for those with pre-purchased burials.
The Bureau understands this is a difficult situation for the families and community, and remains committed to continuing to collaborate with local, state, and community partners on the future of the cemetery’s care and maintenance. More information about the transition of responsibility of care over the cemetery is expected to be determined by local authorities over the coming weeks and months.
Upon becoming aware of the cemetery’s closure late last month, the Bureau began to work diligently to gather information to assess the situation, address options, and take appropriate action within the law and the Bureau’s jurisdiction.
# # #
Click here for a printable version of this news release.
ACTUALIZACIÓN DEL CEMENTERIO LINCOLN MEMORIAL PARK
Comienza la transición del cuidado del cementerio histórico
SACRAMENTO – Las licencias de cementerio y de administrador de cementerio emitidas por la Oficina de Cementerios y Funerales (Oficina) al cementerio Lincoln Memorial Park en Carson han sido canceladas a petición del propietario, a partir del 8 de agosto de 2023.
Después de las cancelaciones de licencia, el cementerio se considera sin licencia, abandonado y fuera de la autoridad reguladora de la Oficina. Sin embargo, en estas circunstancias, existen leyes que permiten el cuidado y mantenimiento futuros de la propiedad por parte de la ciudad o el condado, junto con el reembolso a través de los ingresos disponibles en el fondo para mantenimiento del cementerio. La ley también describe la autoridad de un tribunal para nombrar a un gerente temporal y la capacidad del condado para asumir la responsabilidad en circunstancias en las que no se nombre a un gerente temporal.
Además, la Oficina puede autorizar a las funerarias autorizadas a realizar entierros en el cementerio para quienes tengan entierros previamente comprados.
La Oficina comprende que se trata de una situación difícil para las familias y la comunidad, y mantiene su compromiso de seguir colaborando con los socios locales, estatales y comunitarios en el futuro del cuidado y mantenimiento del cementerio. Se espera que en las próximas semanas y meses las autoridades locales proporcionen más información sobre la transición de la responsabilidad del cuidado del cementerio.
Al tener conocimiento del cierre del cementerio a finales del mes pasado, la Oficina empezó a trabajar con diligencia para reunir información con el fin de evaluar la situación, abordar las opciones y tomar las medidas oportunas dentro de la ley y de la jurisdicción de la Oficina.
# # #
Haz clic aquí para obtener una versión imprimible de este comunicado de prensa.
The responsibilities of DHBC include issuing, reviewing, and enforcing dental hygiene licenses as well as developing the Law and Ethics examinations. Additional functions include promulgating regulations, establishing and maintaining fees, oversight and approval of dental hygiene educational programs, and continuing education requirements for all dental hygiene licensure categories.
DHBC is currently asking members of the public to provide feedback for its strategic plan via anonymous online survey. The survey is a quick and simple opportunity for consumers to make their voices heard. Information about the survey is available here: https://dhbc.ca.gov/formspubs/2023stratplansurvey.pdf.
Mission Statement:
DHBC’s primary mission is to protect the public ad meet the oral hygiene needs of all Californians.
Vision Statement:
Provide access to quality dental hygiene care for all Californians.
Values:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Customer Service
- Excellence
- Respect
- Transparency
Visit DHBC’s Website at: https://www.dhbc.ca.gov/.
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
Effective January 1, 2010, Assembly Bill 48 (Portantino, Chapter 310, Statutes of 2009) established the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (Act) and created the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (Bureau or BPPE) within the Department to provide oversight of private postsecondary educational institutions operating in California. Specifically, the Act directs the Bureau to:
- Create a structure that provides an appropriate level of oversight, including approval of private postsecondary educational institutions and programs.
- Establish minimum operating standards for California private postsecondary educational institutions to ensure quality education for students.
- Provide consumers a meaningful opportunity to have complaints resolved.
- Ensure that private postsecondary educational institutions offer accurate information to prospective students on institutional and student performance, thereby promoting competition between institutions that rewards educational quality and employment success.
- Create opportunities for stakeholders to have a voice and be heard in the operations of and rulemaking process by the Bureau.
- Proactively combat unlicensed institutions.
Mission:
The Bureau protects students and consumers through the oversight of California’s private postsecondary educational institutions by conducting qualitative reviews of educational programs and operating standards, proactively combating unlicensed activity, impartially resolving student and consumer complaints, and conducting outreach.
Vision:
To be the national leader in regulating private postsecondary institutions and maximizing Californians’ confidence that institutions approved by the Bureau provide a quality education.
Values:
- Accountability
- Consumer Protection
- Effectiveness
- Quality
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Consistency
Visit the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s website at https://www.bppe.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook and Twitter.
Established by Senate Bill 1192, the Office of Student Assistance and Relief (OSAR) was created within BPPE in 2018 for the purpose of advancing and promoting the rights of students of private colleges, and assisting students who suffer economic loss due to the unlawful activities or closure of a private college.
In collaboration with various State and federal agencies including the California Student Aid Commission, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Education and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the OSAR is committed to assisting California students and addressing the needs of those students attending private colleges.
Visit the Office of Student Assistance and Relief website at: https://osar.bppe.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Mission:
To serve as the primary point of contact for advancing and protecting students’ rights, advocating on behalf of students, informing students through outreach, and providing equitable relief to students who suffer economic loss as a result of the unlawful activities or closure of a California private postsecondary educational institution.
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
- What Can OSAR Do For You?
- ¿Qué Puede Hacer OSAR Por Usted?
- What To Consider When Selecting a College
- ¿Qué Considerar Al Seleccionar Un Colegio Universitario?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Application for Student Tuition Recovery Fund (English)
- Solicitud de Fndo de Reembolso de la Matricula Estudiantil (Spanish)
- BPPE Complaint Form for Consumers
- Citizens Comment / Complaint Form
- Guide for Students Facing a School Closure
- Transcript Request Form
Established in 1951 (Vocational Nurse Program) and 1959 (Psychiatric Technician Program); the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (Board) is responsible for administering the laws related to the practice of licensed vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians. In 1970, the Psychiatric Technician certification was changed to a licensure program based upon passage of Senate Bill 298.
The Board protects the consumer from unprofessional and unsafe licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and psychiatric technicians (PTs). Public protection is the highest priority of the Board in exercising its licensing, regulatory and disciplinary functions.
To protect the public, the Board:
- Establishes the minimum requirements for examination and licensure.
- Establishes educational standards for the approval of Vocational Nursing (VN) and Psychiatric Technicians (PT) schools in California.
- Adopts regulations to clarify the performance, practice and disciplinary standards for its licensees.
- Enforces the regulations governing the continued approval of VN & PT schools in California.
- Enforces the regulations governing LVNs and PTs by taking appropriate disciplinary action against incompetent or unsafe licensees efficiently and effectively.
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs): LVNs provide basic bedside nursing care to clients under the direction of a physician or registered nurse. The LVN utilizes scientific and technical expertise and manual skills. Duties within the scope of practice of an LVN typically include, but are not limited to, provision of basic hygienic and nursing care; measurement of vital signs; basic client assessment; documentation; performance of prescribed medical treatments; administration of prescribed medications; and, performance of non-medicated intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal (requires separate Board certification.)
Psychiatric Technicians (PTs) PTs provide care for mentally disordered or developmentally disabled clients under the director of the services. The director may be a physician, psychologist, rehabilitation therapist, social worker, registered nurse or other professional personnel. The PT utilizes scientific and technical expertise and manual skills to provide care and training for clients with mental disorders and developmental disabilities. Duties within the scope of practice of a PT typically include, but are not limited to, basic hygiene and nursing care; measurement of vital signs; performance of prescribed medical treatments; administration of prescribed medications; implementation of behavioral management techniques; crisis intervention; sensory and perceptual development assessment; social and vocational training; and, the facilitation of individual and group therapeutic activities.
Mission:
The Board serves and protects the public by licensing qualified and competent vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians through ongoing educational oversight, regulation, and enforcement.
Vision:
Access to the highest quality patient care for all.
Values:
- Accountability
- Excellence
- Inclusiveness
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Trust
Visit the Board of Vocational Nursing And Psychiatric Technicians website at: https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook and Twitter.
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
In 1945, California became the first state to register social workers with the formation of the Board of Social Work Examiners.
Jump ahead 18 years to 1963, and this young regulatory agency received a new responsibility: administration of the Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor Act (later renamed the Social Worker and Marriage Counselor Act). New responsibilities meant a new name too. Appropriately, the Board was renamed the Social Worker and Marriage Counselor Qualification Board.
The 1960s proved to be a busy decade with the establishment of the Licensed Clinical Social Worker Program in 1967. Then in 1970, a licensing program for Educational Psychologists was added to the Board, inspiring a new name: the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.
The Board took its current name, the Board of Behavioral Sciences, on January 1, 1997. This name better represents the true mission and duties of the Board. On July 1, 1999, the license type of Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor underwent a name change. All references in statute or regulation to “licensed marriage, family, and child counselor” or “marriage, family, and child counselor” were changed to “licensed marriage and family therapist” or “marriage and family therapist.”
The Board of Behavioral Sciences looks to continue its commitment to protect the consumers of California through effective enforcement, ensure credibility and high professional standards through examinations and licensing requirements, and provide excellent customer service to all its constituents.
Mission:
Protect and serve Californians by setting, communicating, and enforcing standards for safe and competent mental health practices.
Vision:
All Californians are able to access the highest quality mental health services.
Values:
- Accountability
- Customer service
- Integrity
- Quality
- Respect
Visit the Board of Behavioral Sciences’ website at: http://www.bbs.ca.gov/ or connect on Twitter and Facebook.
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
- Therapy Never Includes Sexual Behavior
- Self-Empowerment – Choosing a Mental Health Professional in California
- Online Complaint Form
The California legislature established the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in 1929 as the Contractors License Bureau under the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards.
Today, CSLB is part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The responsibility for licensing and regulating the 45 classifications and two certifications that constitute California’s construction industry belongs to CSLB.
There are approximately 285,000 licensed contractors and 23,000 registered home improvement salespersons in the state. The Registrar of Contractors oversees a staff of more than 400 employees who work at CLSB’s headquarters in Sacramento and at field offices throughout the state.
The Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) focuses on the underground economy and on unlicensed contractors. This unit conducts proactive stings and sweeps to help curtail illegal contracting and cites those who are not licensed.
CSLB’s website provides a wealth of information to various stakeholders. Features include an Instant License Check, which provides information about a particular contractor’s license status, and Find My Licensed Contractor, which generates a list of licensed contractors in a designated geographic area and specific trade. It also includes a Disaster Help Center, which provides information and resources for disaster survivors, contractors, and the media. CSLB holds regularly scheduled public meetings throughout the state, which provide the public an opportunity to provide comment on agenda items and other issues.
Mission:
CSLB protects consumers by regulating the construction industry through policies that promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public in matters relating to construction, including home improvement.
The Board accomplishes this by:
- Ensuring that construction, including home improvement, is performed in a safe, competent, and professional manner;
- Licensing contractors and enforcing licensing laws;
- Requiring licensure for any person practicing or offering to practice construction contracting;
- Enforcing the laws, regulations, and standards governing construction contracting in a fair and uniform manner; • Providing resolution to disputes that arise from construction activities; and • Educating consumers so they can make informed choices.
Vision:
CSLB is a model consumer protection agency, integrating regulatory oversight of the construction industry as necessary for the protection of consumers and licensed contractors.
Values:
CSLB provides the highest quality throughout its programs by:
- Being responsive and treating all consumers and contractors fairly;
- Focusing on prevention and providing educational information to consumers and contractors;
- Embracing technology and innovative methods to provide services; and
- Supporting a team concept and the professional development of staff.
Visit the State Contractors License Board’s website at: www.cslb.ca.gov/ or connect on Twitter and Facebook.
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
- License Check
- Find My Licensed Contractor
- Hire a Contractor
- 10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor
- File a Complaint
- Going Solar
- CSLB Videos
The California Architects Board was created by the Legislature in 1901. The Board has a strong history of creative problem solving and collaboration with key constituencies, such as local building officials, educators and students, related professions, and collateral organizations. The Board is committed to a strong enforcement program as a part of its mission to protect consumers and enforce the laws, codes, and standards governing the practice of architecture.
The Board establishes regulations for examination and licensing of the profession of architecture in California, which today numbers approximately 22,000 licensed architects and approximately 10,000 candidates who are in the process of meeting examination and licensure requirements. A candidate must have five years of education equivalents to be eligible for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
The Board has an active enforcement program designed to ensure the laws governing the practice of architecture are enforced in a fair and judicious manner. The program consists of a local building official contact program, consumer education, and professional information outreach designed to prevent and assist in the early detection of violations. The Board enforces legal compliance for licensees by taking disciplinary actions against those in violation of laws and regulations.
The Board’s enforcement program works to address three main goal areas:
- Establishing regulatory standards of practice for those licensed as architects
- Increasing public awareness of the Board’s mission, activities, and services
- Protecting consumers by preventing violations, and effectively enforcing laws, codes, and standards when violations occur The Board is responsible for investigating complaints against licensees and unlicensed individuals. The Board retains the authority to make final decisions on all enforcement actions.
Mission: The California Architects Board protects consumers by establishing standards for professional qualifications, ensuring competence through examinations, setting practice standards, and enforcing the Architects Practice Act.
Vision: The California Architects Board will be the national leader in the regulation of architectural practice.
Values:
- Collaborative
- Professional
- Innovative
- Proactive
- Diversity
The Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) was created pursuant to Assembly Bill 1546 which became effective Jan. 1, 1998. The committee was statutorily established under the jurisdiction of the California Architects Board. Its purpose is to act in an advisory capacity to the board on examinations and other matters pertaining to the regulation of the practice of landscape architecture in California.
The activities of the LATC benefit consumers in two important ways.
First, regulation protects the public at large. Second, regulation protects the consumer of services rendered by landscape architects. It is imperative to ensure those who hire landscape architects are protected from incompetent or dishonest landscape architects. The ATC is one of nearly 40 licensing and regulatory entities within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and is part of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. DCA is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of licensees. While DCA provides administrative oversight and support services, the LATC further sets its own regulations, policies, and procedures.
Mission: LATC regulates the practice of landscape architecture through the enforcement of the Landscape Architects Practice Act to protect consumers, and the public health, safety, and welfare while safeguarding the environment.
Vision: The LATC will champion for consumer protection and a safer built environment for the people of California.
Values:
- Consumer Protection
- Innovation
- Communication
- Integrity
- Leadership
Visit the California Architects Board’s website at: www.cab.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook or Twitter. Visit the Landscape Architects Technical Committee website at www.latc.ca.gov/ and connect with the Landscape Architects Technical Committee on Twitter.
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
- Consumers Guide To Hiring A Landscape Architect
- Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Department of Consumer Affairs’ Arbitration Certification Program (ACP) certifies and monitors third-party arbitration programs of participating automobile manufacturers to ensure compliance with California laws and regulations governing resolution of warranty disputes involving new/used vehicles purchased with the manufacturer’s new-car warranty. ACP also ensures that certified programs conduct dispute resolution in a fair and expeditious manner. One of the program’s goals is to promote the use of alternative dispute resolution, in lieu of court action, to reduce the strain and cost on consumers and the court system. ACP is mandated to perform the following:
Establish a program for certifying manufacturer’s third-party dispute resolution processes for the arbitration of warranty disputes.
- Prescribe and provide forms for applicants to use when applying for certification. • Establish minimum standards to determine whether a third-party dispute resolution process is in substantial compliance with certification requirements.
- Prescribe information that the third-party dispute resolution process must submit to ACP so that ACP can determine whether the process continues to substantially comply with California’s laws and regulations.
- Conduct a survey of consumers who complete the arbitration process to measure customer satisfaction.
- Submit a biennial report to the Legislature on the effectiveness of certified arbitration programs.
- Adopt regulations as necessary and appropriate to implement applicable California laws
Once a manufacturer’s arbitration program is certified, ACP monitors the program to determine whether it remains in substantial compliance with California’s laws and regulations. ACP’s staff gathers and evaluates information about the program through:
- Monitoring arbitration hearings, auditing dealerships, and monitoring arbitrator training.
- Reviewing individual dispute files;
- Investigating consumer complaints; and
- Conducting on-site inspections of the program’s operations.
ACP investigates complaints alleging that a certified program has failed to follow its written operating procedures. ACP is required to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of a manufacturer’s failure to honor an arbitrator’s decision within 30-days of notification that the consumer has accepted. Additionally, ACP tracks program violations or trends, informs consumers of other legal remedies, and evaluates consumers feedback and suggestions regarding the arbitration process.
Mission: To protect consumers whose vehicles are covered by their manufacturer’s original warranty by providing a fair and timely state-certified arbitration program.
Vision: California will have a model arbitration process that encourages manufacturer participation and ensures consumer confidence.
Values:
- Consumer Protection – We make effective and informed decisions in the best interest, and for the safety of Californians.
- Service – We are professional and responsive to the needs of our stakeholders.
- Accountability – We accept responsibility for our actions, exemplifying high ethical standards, and always strive to improve our effectiveness.
- Fairness – We treat people equally and make decisions without favoritism and prejudice.
- Integrity – We are committed to honesty, ethical conduct, and responsibility.
Visit the Board’s website at: www.dca.ca.gov/acp/ or connect with the Board on Twitter and Facebook.
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
- Arbitration Information
- Publications
- State Certified Programs
- How to File A Complaint
- Frequently Asked Questions