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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 2Ch. 1Art. 4§ 582 Fraudulent Medical Practice Certificates

§ 582 Fraudulent Medical Practice Certificates

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 582 Fraudulent Medical Practice Certificates

Key Takeaways

  • •You can't use a fake or changed diploma or certificate to work as a doctor or healer.
  • •This includes any paper that was bought, faked, or altered to pretend you're a real doctor.
  • •It's against the law to trick people into thinking you're a licensed medical professional when you're not.

Example

Someone buys a fake medical diploma online and tries to open a clinic to treat sick people.

This is illegal because they are using a fake diploma to pretend they are a real doctor, which can hurt people who trust them.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 582 Fraudulent Medical Practice Certificates

No person, company, or association shall use or attempt to use any diploma, certificate, transcript, or any other writing which has been purchased, fraudulently issued, illegally obtained, counterfeited, or materially altered, either as a certificate or as to character or color of certificate, to practice as a physician and surgeon, podiatrist, osteopathic physician, or a chiropractor, or to practice any other system or mode of treating the sick or afflicted, as provided in the Medical Practice Act, Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) or to practice as any other licentiate under this division. (Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 220, Sec. 4. Effective June 30, 1986.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

medicalfraudhealthphysicianlicenseeffective junedocumentassociation

Related Statutes

  • § 581 Fraudulent Medical Credential Use
  • § 580 Degree Sale Prohibition
  • § 851 Licensure Standards Adoption
  • § 583 False Statements In Applications
  • § 584 Exam Security And Impersonation

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 582.
View Official Source