Bill Name: Physicians and Surgeons: Unprofessional Conduct (Low) – MD/DO Misinformation

Bill Number: AB-2098

Bill Author(s): Low

Legislative Session / Year: 2022

State: California

AVFCA Position: Oppose

Bill Synopsis: Starting January 1, 2023, in California, Medical Doctors and Osteopathic Doctors will be disciplined for unprofessional conduct if they “disseminate misinformation or disinformation related to COVID-19, including false or misleading information regarding the nature and risks of the virus, its prevention and treatment; and the development, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.” Misinformation is defined as “false information that is contradicted by contemporary scientific consensus contrary to the standard of care.” With the ever mutating variants, changing vaccine efficacy and influx of treatments, there cannot be “contemporary scientific consensus” or “standard of care” for COVID for many years to come.

Effective Date if Passed: 01/01/2023