Business and Professions Code - BPC

Division 2. Healing Arts [500 - 4999.129]

• Enacted by Stats. 1937, Ch. 399.

Chapter 10. Psychiatric Technicians [4500 - 4548]

• Added by Stats. 1959, Ch. 1851.

Article 3. Disciplinary Proceedings [4520 - 4524]

• Added by Stats. 1959, Ch. 1851.

Key Sections and Points

Section 4520

• Licensed psychiatric technicians may be disciplined as per this article.
• Disciplinary proceedings conducted by the board in accordance with Government Code regulations.

Section 4521

• License Suspension or Revocation: Possible for reasons including:
  • Unprofessional conduct (e.g., incompetence, practicing medicine without a license, illegal advertising, substance abuse).
  • Fraud, misrepresentation, abortion-related offenses.
  • False statements in applications, criminal convictions related to technician duties.
  • Impersonation, excessive force, confidentiality breaches, and more.
• Amendment: Stats. 2021, Ch. 632.

Section 4521.1

• Probationary Licenses: Issued to applicants with past violations but meeting current requirements.
  • Terms may include treatment, rehabilitation, abstention from substances.
  • Special consideration for dismissed convictions.
  • Terms may be modified or terminated on petition.
• Amendment: Stats. 2008, Ch. 675.

Section 4521.2

• Mandatory Reporting: Technicians and employers must report violations.
  • Includes substance abuse, patient abuse, record falsification.
  • Reporting does not waive medical record confidentiality.
  • Penalty for non-reporting.
• Amendment: Stats. 2021, Ch. 632.

Section 4521.6

• License Denial/Suspension: Based on actions by other states or California health boards.
  • Certified findings serve as evidence.
• Added: Stats. 1992, Ch. 1289.

Section 4522

• Revocation/Suspension: Board may act on any grounds specified for disciplinary action.
  • Process includes a statement of reasons and review of rehabilitation evidence.
  • Hearing protocols outlined.
• Amendment: Stats. 2021, Ch. 632.

Section 4523

• Guilty Convictions: Include pleas related to technician duties.
  • Convictions lead to possible suspension or revocation.
• Amendment: Stats. 2021, Ch. 632.

Section 4524

• Petition for Reinstatement: Available for revoked or suspended licenses.
  • Timelines for petition vary based on circumstances.
  • Petitioners must prove entitlement to relief.
  • Restrictions on petitions during criminal sentencing or ongoing accusations.
• Amendment: Stats. 2021, Ch. 632.