(a) The professional competency examination shall be in the form of an oral clinical examination to be administered by three physician examiners selected by the division or its designee, who shall test for medical knowledge specific to the physician’s specialty or specific suspected deficiency. The examination shall be audio recorded.
(b) A failing grade from two of the examiners shall constitute a failure of an examination. In the event of a failure, the board shall supply a true and correct copy of the audio recording of the examination to the unsuccessful examinee.
(c) Within 45 days following receipt of the audio recording of the examination, a physician who fails the examination may request a hearing before the administrative law judge as designated in Section 11371 of the Government Code to determine whether he or she is entitled to take a second examination.
(d) If the physician timely requests a hearing concerning the right to reexamination under subdivision (c), the hearing shall be held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340), Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 11370), Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 11400), and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Upon a finding that the examination or procedure is unfair or that one or more of the examiners manifest bias toward the examinee, a reexamination shall be ordered.
(e) If the examinee fails the examination and is not afforded the right to reexamination, the division may take action pursuant to Section 2230 by directing that an accusation be filed charging the examinee with incompetency under subdivision (d) of Section 2234. The modes of discipline are set forth in Sections 2227 and 2228.
(f) Findings and conclusions reported by the examiners may be received in the administrative hearing on the accusation. The passing of the examination shall constitute prima facie evidence of present competence in the area of coverage of the examination.
(g) Competency examinations shall be conducted under a uniform examination system, and for that purpose the division may make arrangements with organizations furnishing examination material as deemed desirable.
(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 88, Sec. 1. (AB 176) Effective January 1, 2010.)