Medical Board Asserts Jurisdiction Over Utilization Review

By Greg Jones, Western Bureau ChiefThe Medical Board of California said in a letter to the Assembly Insurance Committee that it will investigate complaints that a utilization-review physician has fallen short of established standards of care, something it has previously not done.The issue of the board’s oversight of UR physicians dates back to November, but gained traction as the board came under increased scrutiny for what some lawmakers see as a lax approach to investigating and disciplining doctors. The increased criticism of the board’s oversight provided an opportunity for Ass...