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Committee advances bill to let Medical Board create physician wellness program
Summary
AB 408 would authorize the Medical Board of California to establish a physician health and wellness program modeled on national best practices; supporters said the measure removes stigma and encourages care without changing disciplinary requirements.
Assemblymember Berman presented AB 408, sponsored by the Medical Board of California, to permit creation of a physician health and wellness program aligned with nationally recognized best practices.
Berman and witnesses said evidence shows wellness and health programs encourage practitioners to seek care for substance use disorders and other conditions by reducing stigma and connecting physicians with treatment before patient care is affected. Aaron Bone of the Medical Board and George Soares of the California Medical Association said the bill does not change disciplinary requirements for physicians who harmed a patient or committed malpractice.
Multiple medical societies and specialty groups voiced support. Some committee members asked about funding; Representative Dixon urged that the program be funded to ensure it operates effectively. The committee reported AB 408 out on a roll call with one member recorded as voting no.
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