Section § 2500

Explanation

This law section highlights the commitment of medical boards to incorporate preventative and holistic approaches, like nutrition and natural supplements, into medical practice. It emphasizes creating policies to ensure high-quality and innovative healthcare for Californians while also reviewing and suggesting changes to laws as needed.

The boards acknowledge the significant interest of physicians and patients alike in integrating preventative approaches and holistic-based alternatives into the practice of medicine, including, but not limited to, biopsychosocial techniques, nutrition, and the use of natural supplements to enhance health and wellness. The boards shall establish specific policies in this regard and shall review statutes and recommend modifications of law, when appropriate, in order to assure California consumers that the quality of medicine practiced in this state is the most advanced and innovative it can be both in terms of preserving the health of, as well as providing effective diagnosis and treatment of illness for, the residents of this state.

Section § 2501

Explanation

This law requires certain professional boards to create guidelines and procedures by July 1, 2002, for disciplining licensed physicians and surgeons, taking into account new medical practices. They must work with interested parties and use expert advice to develop these guidelines. As part of this, they need to consult medical associations and consider the need for specific informed consent standards, which help patients understand treatment risks and benefits. They also need to set standards for investigations to ensure proper review, especially involving alternative medicine practices, by checking the qualifications of those conducting the investigations.

In fulfilling their responsibilities under this article, the boards shall , on or before July 1, 2002, establish disciplinary policies and procedures to reflect emerging and innovative medical practices for licensed physicians and surgeons. The boards shall solicit the participation of interested parties in the development and preparation of these policies and procedures and shall consult technical advisors as necessary to fulfill the purposes of this article. In preparing these policies and procedures, the boards shall consult with professional medical associations and review the need for any changes in the boards’ services, procedures, and activities. The boards shall also assess the need for:
(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 2501(a) Specific standards for informed consent, if any, in order for patients to be able to understand the risks and benefits associated with the range of treatment options available.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 2501(b) Standards for investigations to assure competent review in cases involving the practice of any type of alternative medicine, including, but not limited to, the skills and training of investigators.