Why Arian Mowlavi's License Was Suspended
Arian Mowlavi, a California-based physician, had his medical license suspended by the Medical Board of California following investigations into his prescribing practices and patient care. The suspension resulted from documented concerns about controlled substance prescriptions, treatment protocols, and compliance with state medical regulations. This case illustrates how medical boards use license suspension as an enforcement tool when a practitioner's conduct raises public safety concerns.
License suspensions differ from revocations: a suspension is temporary and can be lifted if conditions are met, while revocation is permanent. Mowlavi's suspension meant he could not legally practice medicine in California during the suspension period, though the case remained subject to ongoing board proceedings and potential appeal.
Key Takeaways
- Medical license suspensions are issued by state medical boards, not federal agencies, and the specific reasons are documented in board orders and public records.
- A suspended license prohibits all medical practice in that state; a doctor cannot see patients, write prescriptions, or perform procedures during suspension.
- Suspension is distinct from revocation—suspensions can be temporary with conditions for reinstatement, while revocations are permanent.
- Board orders and disciplinary decisions are public record and can be found through the state medical board's website or the Federation of State Medical Boards.
How Medical Board Suspensions Work
When a state medical board investigates a physician and finds evidence of misconduct, it can issue a suspension order. The board must follow its state's administrative procedures, which typically include notice to the physician, an opportunity to respond, and a hearing before a judge or board panel. The physician can present evidence and witnesses in their defense.
Suspensions can be issued with or without conditions. Some suspensions are automatic pending the outcome of a full hearing; others are conditional, meaning the doctor can continue practicing under restrictions (such as supervision, additional training, or limits on prescribing) while the case proceeds. The terms depend on the board's assessment of when ready risk to patients.
Finding Official Board Records and Disciplinary Details
The Medical Board of California maintains a public database called the Physician Lookup Tool on its website (mbc.ca.gov). This tool shows the current license status of any California physician, including whether a license is suspended, revoked, or restricted. It also displays the board's formal accusation and decision documents, which detail the specific violations found.
If you need the full disciplinary file, you can request it directly from the Medical Board of California's Public Information Office. Federal records are also searchable through the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), a federal repository maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NPDB records malpractice payments, license actions, and other disciplinary events, though access is limited to authorized users such as hospitals and insurers.
What a Suspended License Means for Patients
If you were a patient of a physician whose license is suspended, you have the right to know the reason and to access your medical records. You should transfer your care to another provider and request copies of your records from the suspended physician's office or medical group. Most offices are required by law to maintain records for a set period and to provide copies upon request, usually within 30 days.
If you believe you were harmed by the physician's conduct during the period before suspension, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. Consult a medical malpractice attorney in your state; they can review your records and advise whether a claim is viable. The statute of limitations varies by state but is typically one to three years from the date of injury or discovery of injury.
The Difference Between Suspension, Revocation, and Restriction
A suspension is temporary; the physician cannot practice during the suspension period but may petition for reinstatement once conditions are met. A revocation is permanent and typically cannot be reversed. A restriction or probation allows the physician to continue practicing but under specific conditions—for example, only under supervision, only in certain settings, or with limits on prescribing certain drugs.
The board chooses the enforcement tool based on the severity of the violation and the level of risk. Minor violations may result in a fine or education requirement. Serious violations involving patient harm or repeated misconduct typically lead to suspension or revocation. Some cases result in a combination—for example, a suspension followed by probation if the license is reinstated.
How Physicians Can Seek Reinstatement After Suspension
The path to reinstatement depends on the terms of the suspension order. The board's decision document will specify what the physician must do to petition for reinstatement—this might include completing additional training, passing an exam, undergoing a medical evaluation, or demonstrating compliance with probation conditions over a set period.
The physician must file a formal petition with the medical board, usually after a minimum suspension period has passed. The board will review the petition and may grant, deny, or grant reinstatement with conditions. If denied, the physician can appeal to the state administrative court. This process can take months or years, depending on the complexity of the case and the board's workload.
Checking a Physician's License Status Before Choosing Care
Before seeing any physician, you can verify their license status through your state's medical board website. For California, use the Physician Lookup Tool on mbc.ca.gov. For other states, search "[your state] medical board" to find the official licensing database. These databases are free and public.
The lookup will show whether the license is active, suspended, revoked, or restricted. It will also display any disciplinary history, board actions, and the date of the last action. If you see a suspension or revocation, that physician is not legally permitted to practice medicine in that state. If you see restrictions, review the details to understand what limitations explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a suspended physician still practice in another state?
Not automatically. Each state has its own medical board and licensing system. However, most states check the National Practitioner Data Bank and other states' disciplinary records when reviewing a license process. A suspension in one state often triggers investigation in others, and many states will suspend or deny licensure based on another state's action.
How long does a suspension typically last?
Suspension length varies widely depending on the violation and the board's order. Some suspensions last months; others last years. The board's decision document specifies the minimum suspension period and the conditions for reinstatement. If no timeline is stated, the suspension remains in effect until the physician petitions for reinstatement and the board grants it.
What if I received treatment from a suspended physician before the suspension was issued?
The suspension does not retroactively invalidate treatment you received while the license was active. However, if you believe the treatment was negligent or harmful, you may still have grounds for a malpractice claim. The statute of limitations typically runs from the date of injury or discovery, not from the date of suspension. Speak with a medical malpractice attorney to understand your options.
Can I see the board's investigation file or the evidence against the physician?
The formal accusation and board decision are public record and available through the medical board's website or by request. However, some investigative materials, witness statements, and confidential medical information may not be public. Request the public file from the board's Public Information Office; they will provide what is available under state public records law.
What should I do if I think a physician's license should be suspended?
You can file a complaint with your state's medical board. Most boards have a complaint form on their website and accept complaints by mail, phone, or online. Include specific details about the incident, dates, and any documentation you have. The board will investigate and determine whether to take action. Complaints are typically confidential during investigation.