This section defines some important terms used in the article. "License" refers to any kind of certificate, permit, or registration. "Licensee" means the person who holds a license. "Licensing authority" is the board that oversees the specific license and its holder.

This law states that certain medical-related licenses and permits in California expire at midnight on the last day of the month two years after they're issued, starting from July 1, 2018. If you want to renew your unexpired license, you need to fill out the renewal form and pay the fee before it expires.

If someone with a license from the board or the California Board of Podiatric Medicine doesn't renew their expired license within 30 days, they'll have to pay several fees: the usual renewal fee at the current rate, a penalty that's half of that renewal fee, and another late fee set by law.

The board can send licensed doctors a questionnaire when it's time to renew their license to make sure they are fit to practice medicine safely. Doctors must fill out, sign, and return this form, either online or by mail, to renew their license. The form cannot ask for information that is restricted by another law, Section 2090.

This section talks about the challenges California faces in providing adequate healthcare to its residents. It points out that many people can't access healthcare due to issues like medical group bankruptcies, closed health facilities, and low payments to healthcare providers. Another factor is the state’s growing and diverse population. Although California technically has enough doctors, there's a lack of information on their cultural and linguistic backgrounds, how many are actively practicing, or have shifted to non-medical roles. To address these challenges, the state needs more data on physicians' work status and backgrounds.

This law requires licensed physicians and surgeons in California to report certain information to the Medical Board of California. When they first get licensed and each time they renew their license, they must inform the board about any specialty certifications from recognized medical boards. They also need to report their practice status, like whether they work full-time in or outside of California, part-time, administratively without patient care, or if they are retired. In addition, they should provide information about their cultural background and language skills, although they can choose not to disclose this. The board will compile and publish aggregated data about physicians' backgrounds and practice locations on their website annually.

Physicians and surgeons must report any financial interests in health-related facilities when renewing their licenses. Financial interests cover a wide range of situations, from ownership to financial arrangements with facilities like labs or surgery centers. Some exceptions apply, like investments in large corporations. Immediate family interests also need reporting. The reports are accessible to government and payers, and there are penalties for failing to report. This requirement has been in effect since 1994.

If your professional license has expired, you can renew it within five years by submitting a renewal application and paying all necessary fees. If you renew more than 30 days after expiration, you'll also need to pay a late fee. The renewal becomes official on the day all paperwork and fees are completed. For podiatric doctors, expired licenses can be renewed within three years, under similar conditions and fees. Once renewed, the license remains valid until its new expiration date, unless it's renewed again.

If someone in California cancels or doesn't renew their license within five years, they can't just renew it later. Instead, they must apply for a new license. To get a new one, they cannot have committed any disqualifying acts, must pass any necessary exams or prove they're qualified, and must pay the same fees as new applicants. The licensing authority might waive exam fees if they see fit. This does not allow for a license if it's no longer required for the profession. Additionally, they need to fulfill one of these: complete three years of approved training, obtain certification from an approved specialty board, or pass a clinical competency exam. Specific rules apply for podiatric medicine, where the renewal period is three years.

If your professional license is suspended due to bad conduct, you can still renew it, but you can't use it until the suspension is lifted. If your license is revoked for bad conduct, it will expire and cannot be renewed. However, if you later get it reinstated, you have to pay a fee similar to renewing it, plus any late fees.

If you lose your professional license certificate or change your name, you can apply for a duplicate. You must fill out an application with the required information and pay a fee if needed. Then, a new certificate will be issued to you.

If you submit an application with all the necessary information and the required fee, your professional license or credentials can be officially recognized or certified by the licensing authority.