Effective June 27, 2010, California physicians are required to inform their patients that they are licensed by the Medical Board of California, and to provide patients with the board's contact information.
The new regulations require physicians to provide this notice by one of three methods. CMA has developed resources that comply with these regulations, while highlihgting your commitment to quality care and your willingness to have your patients bring their concerns directly to you. IMPORTANT: Practices only need to utilize one of these methods in order to comply; you do not need to utilize all three.
Regardless of which method you choose, the notice must read as follows: "NOTICE TO CONSUMERS: Medical doctors are licensed and regulated by the Medical Board of California, (800) 633-2322, www.mbc.ca.gov."
According to the medical board, physicians, not facilities, are responsible for compliance with this regulation. In group settings, only one sign must be posted (should that option be chosen), but it must be posted in a location where it can be seen by all patients.
Option 1: Written Statement
To comply using this option, the practice would include the notice in a written statement, signed and dated by the patient or patient's representative, and kept in that patient's file, stating the patient understands the physician is licensed and regulated by the board. The CMA has developed a "Commitment to Quality Notice" template that is compliant with the regulation, and encourages patients to bring their concerns directly to you or to your county medical society peer-review mediation committee (if applicable).
The "Commitment to Quality Notice" template notice is contained in the attached zip file available to members only. The template is a Microsoft Word document that you can further customize to meet your needs.
Option 2: Adding the Notice to Existing Patient Materials
To comply using this option, the practice would include the notice in a statement on letterhead, new patient welcome packets, discharge instructions, or other document that is given to a patient or the patient's representative. This option allows the practice to incorporate the notice into existing patient materials rather than creating a new notice. However, in order to be compliant, the notice must be placed immediately above the patient's signature line in at least 14-point type. The notice must read as follows: "NOTICE TO CONSUMERS: Medical doctors are licensed and regulated by the Medical Board of California, (800) 633-2322, www.mbc.ca.gov."
Option 3: Posting a Sign
To comply using this option, the practice would post a sign in an area that is conspicuous to patients. This could be either the waiting room or patient exam rooms. The sign must include the notice printed in at least 48-point Arial font. CMA has developed a poster that highlights your commitment to quality and membership in the medical association and includes the required notice.
CMA's "Commitment to Quality" poster is available in four versions that can be customized with your name(s) and county medical association affiliation. If you would like a custom poster, please contact your county medical society. A plain, uncustomized poster is contained in the attached zip file available to members only.
CMA has also prepared a very simple sign with the regulation language only that can be printed on 8.5 x 11 paper. The sign is also is contained in the attached zip file.