M.D. in California

Reviewed by KW Life Care Planning Editorial Team

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) is a national certification, not a California license. How a California court weighs it is decided case by case under the forum's expert rules; this page covers the credential's scope, the California venues where a plan is examined, and our planners who hold it and serve California.

How the credential is weighed in California

The M.D. degree with state licensure authorizes the practice of medicine. In life care planning, physicians supply the medical foundation of the plan: diagnosis, prognosis, life expectancy considerations, and the treatment, medication, surgical, and follow-up recommendations that the planner itemizes and prices. A physician life care planner can both make and document those recommendations.

California's unified Superior Court hears personal injury and medical malpractice claims, and medical malpractice matters proceed under a long-standing state-specific framework that counsel should confirm. Workers' compensation claims are administered by the Division of Workers' Compensation and litigated before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board.

Outside the civil courts, the California Division of Workers' Compensation is the forum where a plan is most often examined in California. KW Life Care Planning M.D.-credentialed experts apply nationally recognized standards while accounting for California's practice environment.

California courts and venues

M.D.-credentialed experts provide testimony in California's courts, where expert qualification is determined case by case.

Highest court: Supreme Court of California. Federal venues: N.D. Cal., E.D. Cal., C.D. Cal., S.D. Cal..

Source: California judiciary (courts.ca.gov)

M.D. experts for California matters

KW Life Care Planning provides M.D.-credentialed life care planners for California cases, including remote consultation and on-site evaluation where required. Contact us to discuss availability for your matter.

Other credentials in California

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a physician life care planner still consult the treating physicians?

Yes. The plan documents the treating providers' recommendations and the physician planner's own review of the record. Where the two differ, the plan states the basis for the recommendation adopted.

Do forensic physicians need board certification?

Courts do not categorically require it, but board certification in the specialty relevant to the injury is frequently persuasive on qualification.

Can a physician planner address life expectancy?

A physician can present a medical opinion on life expectancy based on the evaluee's condition, function, and the relevant literature. The plan shows the sources relied on and, where appropriate, the cost of the plan across a range of life expectancies.

References

  1. American Board of Medical Specialties

Ready to Get Started on California matters?

Contact our team to discuss how KW Life Care Planning can support your case with certified life care planning expertise. Request a Consultation or call (201) 343-0700.