SACRAMENTO — The Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) is commemorating 30 years since its establishment as an agency responsible for to protect California consumers through the licensing and regulation of the physical therapy profession.
For three decades, PTBC has protected California consumers by setting standards only qualified individuals who uphold professional and ethical requirements are licensed to practice. The Board upholds licensed professional to the highest standards and takes enforcement action against those who break the law and public trust. PTBC’s commitment to integrity, objectivity, and accountability continues to build public trust and protect Californians who rely on safe, competent physical therapy care.
“The establishment of the Physical Therapy Board meant that, for the first time, California had an independent regulatory body dedicatedly specifically to the safe and competent practice of physical therapy,” said Executive Officer Jason Kaiser. “The Board has grown and adapted to industry changes over the last 30 years, but our mission of protecting consumer safety has not changed.”
Additional details about the board’s work, performance, and planning can be found in the DCA Annual Report, the board’s Sunset Review Report, and its Strategic Plan—all available on the board’s publications page.
The Board was established September 24, 1996, when Governor Pete Wilson signed AB 3473. The landmark legislation transformed the Physical Therapy Examining Committee into the board as it’s known today, marking a significant turning point for consumer protection.
While the physical therapy profession had been regulated in California since the 1950s under the Medical Board of California (MBC), AB 3473 established PTBC as an independent board focused on regulating the physical therapy profession.
“California has always been a proving ground for bold ideas. From early adoption of telehealth to elevating continuing education requirements, our state sets the standard for what is possible. Together, we can ensure that innovation in physical therapy is both visionary and responsible, expanding access, protecting consumers, and uplifting every community we serve,” said Board President Karen Brandon, PT, DSc.
To learn more about the Board’s mission to protects consumers, review resources on the Board’s work how to verify a license or file a complaint, visit ptbc.ca.gov.
Love combat sports? A specialty Combat Sports License Plate that supports retired fighters is now available to reserve!
After years of anticipation and hard work, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has announced drivers can now reserve the Combat Sports License Plate. The one-of-a-kind design features combat sports gear in the ring and the phrase “Support Retired Fighters.”
The plate allows fans to show their passion for combat sports while supporting fighters in their later years. Revenue from plate sales will help fund the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Retirement Benefit Fund and the Professional Boxer’s Pension Plan.
“California strives to be an industry leader for combat fighters,” CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster said. “The Commission continues its ongoing mission to support, protect and ensure the long-term longevity of fighters once they leave their gloves in the ring for good.”
Anyone with a current California-registered vehicle is eligible to reserve the plate. They are available for cars, trucks, SUVS, trailers, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.
Reserve your plate today at CAFighterPlate.dca.ca.gov. At least 7,500 must be reserved before orders are processed.
For updates and more news from CSAC, follow the Commission on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Contractors installing residential solar, constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), performing home improvement work, or rebuilding homes in declared disaster areas (including new home rebuilding) shall not receive a down payment of more than $1,000, or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less. Any additional payments cannot exceed the value of the work performed or material delivered.
The down payment and progress payment restrictions extend to advance payment in whole or in part from any lender or financier for the performance or sale of home improvement goods or services.
If you are rebuilding your home after a wildfire or another declared disaster, the law treats rebuilding as a home improvement project. This means contractors must follow all home improvement contract and payment rules and not treat the work as new construction.
Contractors must use a fixed‑price contract. A fixed-price contract lists the full agreed‑upon price for the project. Contractors are not allowed to use “time and materials” or “cost‑plus” contracts for disaster‑related home improvement work.
Down payments should not be more than $1,000 or 10%. Contractors also cannot ask for or accept a down payment of more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the total contract price, whichever is less. Any other payments must be clearly listed in the contract. They must also be based on the actual value of work already completed or on materials that have been delivered to your home.
These rules apply to all home improvement projects, including residential solar installations and the construction of residential accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Before agreeing to work with a contractor to rebuild your home after a declared disaster or perform other home improvement work, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) reminds homeowners to:
- Verify the contractor is licensed and in good standing. You can check a license here.
- Make sure the contract is a fixed-price contract.
- Agree to a total contract price that works for you and your contractor.
- Make sure the down payment isn’t more than $1,000 or 10%, whichever is less.
- Never sign any contract or change order that requires an advance payment larger than the value of the work completed.
- Get any other payments clearly listed in the contract.
- Seek other bids if a contractor can’t meet these requirements.
For more information and resources, visit CSLB’s Disaster Help Center.
July is Military Consumer Protection Month, and the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) joined in this annual observation in support of service members, veterans, and their families. Military Consumer Protection Month aims to educate the military community about consumer protection resources and empower them to make informed decisions.
With more than 30 major military installations, California is home to a large military community. Approximately 163,000 active duty members and 53,000 reservists and National Guard call California home. Scammers and fraudsters often target service members and their families, highlighting the need to raise awareness.
As a licensing and regulatory agency, DCA joins this annual consumer protection effort to share resources to help consumers make informed decisions.
DCA encourages the military community to get to know the Department of Consumer Affairs. This brochure provides key resources to help consumers stay informed and stay protected.
Additional resources and ways DCA supports consumers:
- A wide net: DCA is made up of 36 boards and bureaus that license 3.3 million professionals in over 280 license types. In order to be licensed, individuals must meet licensing standards and requirement.
- Transparency: The DCA License Search page allows the public to see whether a business or professional’s license is current and in good standing.
- Consumer resources: DCA provides on what to look for when dealing with a professional, tips, and how to file a complaint when something goes wrong.
- Public access: Boards and bureaus hold public meetings to discuss regulations, consumer protection efforts, and more. Anyone can watch, or even participate, at DCA’s livestream page.
- Here to help: The Consumer Information Center can help the public look up a license, file a complaint, and apply for a license. They can help in more than 200 languages at 1-800-952-5210.
All of this information and more is on DCA’s website: dca.ca.gov.
In addition, whether transitioning from military to civilian life or to a military base in California from another state, DCA has licensing resources for the military community:
DCA offers:
- Expedited license application processing
- Renewal waivers
- Temporary licensure for spouses or domestic partners
- Federal professional license portability and state registration
For more information, visit our military resources website at www.dca.ca.gov/military.
The Podiatric Medical Board of California is holding a special meeting on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7 AM.
To view the agenda and instructions on how to participate or observe the meeting, please click here.
The California State Board of Optometry is holding a special meeting on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
To view the agenda and instructions on how to participate or observe the meeting, please click here.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and SETA are hosting a job fair to learn about career opportunities with the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Career Fair from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 925 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815.
This event offers attendees a chance to explore rewarding careers in consumer protection. DCA is composed of 36 boards and bureaus that issue professional licenses.
Key Event Highlights:
- Two “How to Get a State Job” Workshops at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
• Onsite application opportunities for a variety of open positions, ranging from administrative roles to investigator (peace officer) and information technology specialists. - DCA and DCA’s Boards and Bureaus representatives will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the many benefits of state employment, including competitive pay, health benefits, paid time off, and work-life balance.
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: SETA, 925 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815
Register for the Career Fair here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/YjR2s0D/DCARegistration
Explore Current Job Openings: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/JobSearchResults.aspx#depid=139
Learn more about DCA careers: https://www.dca.ca.gov/about_us/jobs/careers.shtml
Have questions? Contact us at Recruitments@dca.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO – La Oficina de Reparaciones Automotrices (BAR, por sus siglas en inglés) ha aumentado los montos de incentivo para retirar o reparar un vehículo a través de su Programa de Asistencia al Consumidor. Los consumidores elegibles por sus ingresos ahora pueden recibir hasta $2,000 para retirar un vehículo o hasta $1,450 para reparaciones de emisiones.
El Programa de Asistencia al Consumidor ofrece a los consumidores ayuda financiera para reparar o retirar su vehículo si es que estos no pasan la inspección de smog. Además, también pueden retirar su vehículo, incluso si pasa el control de smog. El programa es parte de una amplia iniciativa de California para ayudar a mejorar la calidad del aire en el estado y ayudar a los consumidores.
“La Oficina de Reparaciones Automotrices está comprometida a ayudar a los consumidores a reducir las emisiones de los vehículos y mejorar la calidad del aire de California”, dijo Patrick Dorais, director ejecutivo de BAR. “Estos incrementos ayudan a los californianos a mantener sus vehículos y cumplir con los requisitos de la inspección del Smog, brindándoles opciones para retirar un vehículo antiguo”.
Otros cambios incluyen recibir asistencia de reparación más de una vez para el mismo vehículo. El incentivo de retiro de vehículos para aquellos que no cumplen con los requisitos de elegibilidad de ingresos también ha aumentado a $1,350. Los solicitantes deben cumplir con los requisitos de elegibilidad y de vehículo para participar.
Esta tabla muestra las opciones de ayuda disponibles para los consumidores, el nuevo monto del incentivo y el monto anterior.
|
Opción de Asistencia |
NUEVO Incentivo $ Monto
(Efectivo a partir del 1 de enero, 2025) |
Incentivo Anterior $ Monto |
|
Asistencia para Retiro Consumidores elegibles por ingresos Vehículos de 1996 en adelante |
Hasta $1,450
en reparaciones de emisiones |
Hasta $1,200
en reparaciones de emisiones |
|
Asistencia para Reparación Consumidores elegibles por ingresos Vehículos de 1995 y más antiguos |
Hasta $1,100
en reparaciones de emisiones |
Hasta $900
en reparaciones de emisiones |
|
Retiro de Vehículo Consumidores elegibles por ingresos |
Hasta $2,000 |
$1,500 |
|
Retiro de Vehículo Consumidores sin elegibilidad de ingresos |
$1,350 |
$1,000 |
Para solicitar el Programa de Asistencia al Consumidor u obtener más información sobre las opciones y requisitos de elegibilidad, visite https://www.bar.ca.gov/cap. Para obtener asistencia en más de 200 idiomas, llame al (866) 272-9642.
SACRAMENTO – The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has increased the incentive amounts to retire or repair a vehicle through its Consumer Assistance Program. Income eligible consumers can now receive up to $2,000 to retire a vehicle or up to $1,450 for emissions repairs.
The Consumer Assistance Program offers consumers financial assistance to repair or retire their vehicle if it fails a Smog Check inspection. Consumers can also retire their vehicle even if it passes a Smog Check. The program is part of California’s larger effort to help improve California’s air quality and assist consumers.
“The Bureau of Automotive Repair is committed to supporting consumers in reducing vehicle emissions and improving California’s air quality,” said BAR Chief Patrick Dorais. “These increased incentives help Californians keep their vehicles compliant with Smog Check requirements and give them options to retire an aging vehicle.”
Other changes include allowing consumers to receive repair assistance more than once for the same vehicle. The vehicle retirement incentive for consumers who do not meet income eligibility requirements also has increased to $1,350. Applicants must meet eligibility and vehicle requirements to participate.
This table shows the assistance options available to consumers, the new incentive amount, and the prior incentive amount.
| Assistance Option | NEW incentive $ Amount
(Effective January 1, 2025) |
Prior incentive $ Amount |
|
Repair assistance Income-eligible consumers 1996 and newer vehicles |
Up to $1,450
in emissions repairs |
Up to $1,200 in emissions repairs |
|
Repair assistance Income-eligible consumers 1995 and older vehicles |
Up to $1,100
in emissions repairs |
Up to $900 in emissions repairs |
|
Vehicle retirement Income-eligible consumers |
Up to $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Vehicle retirement
Consumers without income eligibility |
$1,350 | $1,000 |
Nota del editor: esta alerta para el consumidor fue proporcionada por la Junta Estatal de Licencias para Contratistas (CSLB). Para registrarse y recibir más alertas como esta, visite el sitio web https://www.cslb.ca.gov.
Mientras los incendios forestales afectan a las comunidades del sur de California, la Junta Estatal de Licencias de Contratistas (CSLB, por sus siglas en inglés) urge a los propietarios de viviendas a contratar contratistas autorizados para
cualquier proyecto de reparación o construcción que cueste $1,000 o más, incluyendo mano de obra y materiales.
La prioridad de CSLB después de los desastres es proteger a los consumidores de contratistas sin licencia o inescrupulosos que pueden intentar aprovecharse de las personas que necesitan reparaciones o limpieza urgentes.
“Después de un desastre, los propietarios de viviendas son vulnerables a estafas y mano de obra deficiente,” dijo el registrador de CSLB, David Fogt. “Los contratistas autorizados tienen calificaciones comprobadas que ayudan a garantizar que puedan realizar un trabajo seguro y confiable.”
Protéjase: contrate contratistas autorizados
Los propietarios de viviendas pueden utilizar la herramienta encuentra mi contratista autorizado de CSLB para encontrar contratistas autorizados en su área. Antes de contratar a alguien, confirme el número de licencia del contratista en el sitio web de CSLB y revise su licencia de bolsillo para verificar que el contratista que representa a la empresa figure como personal en la licencia.
La contratación de contratistas sin licencia pone a los propietarios en un riesgo significativo, ya que generalmente no tienen seguro de compensación para trabajadores ni tienen las habilidades necesarias para hacer el trabajo.
Recursos para propietarios de viviendas
CSLB ofrece una sección dedicada al centro de ayuda en caso de desastre en su sitio web con publicaciones gratuitas, como:
• “Estafas en la eliminación de escombros y la construcción”
• “Reconstrucción después de un desastre”
• “Lo que debe saber antes de contratar a un contratista”
Estos materiales pueden ayudar a los propietarios de viviendas a tomar decisiones informadas sobre la contratación de contratistas y evitar estafas. Para obtener asistencia adicional, la línea directa de CSLB para desastres está disponible en el 800-962-1125 de lunes a viernes, de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m., o los propietarios de viviendas pueden llamar a la línea principal al 800-321-CSLB (2752).
Para más información sobre los esfuerzos de recuperación de incendios forestales del estado, visite el sitio web de la Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia del Gobernador de California (Cal OES, por sus siglas en inglés).
Consejos para contratar a un contratista
No se apresure a realizar reparaciones o limpiezas, sin importar cuáles necesarias sean.
No firma ningún cheque de pago de su compañía de seguros. Trabaje con el departamento de construcción local para asegurarse de comprender el proceso de reconstrucción y aprovechar todos los servicios que pueden brindar.
Contrate únicamente a contratistas con licencia de California. Solicite que le muestren la licencia. El número de licencia debe figurar en todos los anuncios, contratos y tarjetas de presentación.
Obtenga tres ofertas, verifique las referencias y obtenga un contrato escrito. No acepte necesariamente la oferta más baja, especialmente si es mucho menor que otras ofertas.
No se apresure a tomar decisiones y no contrate al primer contratista que aparezca.
No pague más del 10 por ciento de anticipo o $1,000, cualquier sea menor.
No pague en efectivo y no permita que los pagos se adelanten al trabajo. Pague únicamente por el trabajo a medida que lo vaya completando a su entera satisfacción.
Mantenga un archivo de trabajo con todos los documentos del proyecto, incluyendo la correspondencia y copias de todos los pagos.
Evite haciendo el pago final hasta que esté satisfecho con el trabajo.
Para más información, visite el sitio web de CSLB en o comuníquese con nosotros en Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, y YouTube.