BILL NUMBER: SB 1177	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Galgiani

                        FEBRUARY 18, 2016

   An act to add Article 14 (commencing with Section 2340) to Chapter
5 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to
healing arts.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1177, as introduced, Galgiani. Physician and Surgeon Health and
Wellness Program.
   Existing law establishes in the Department of Consumer Affairs the
Substance Abuse Coordination Committee, comprised of the executive
officers of the department's healing arts boards and a designee of
the State Department of Health Care Services. Existing law requires
the committee to formulate, by January 1, 2010, uniform and specific
standards in specified areas that each healing arts board is required
to use in dealing with substance-abusing licensees, whether or not a
healing arts board has a formal diversion program. Existing law, the
Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of
physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California within the
department.
   This bill would authorize the board to establish a Physician and
Surgeon Health and Wellness Program for the early identification and
appropriate interventions to support a physician and surgeon in his
or her rehabilitation from substance abuse, physical or mental
illness, burnout, or other similar conditions, as specified.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Article 14 (commencing with Section 2340) is added to
Chapter 5 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, to
read:

      Article 14.  Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program


   2340.  The board may establish a Physician and Surgeon Health and
Wellness Program for the early identification and appropriate
interventions to support a physician and surgeon in his or her
rehabilitation from substance abuse, physical or mental illness,
burnout, or other similar conditions to ensure that the physician and
surgeon remains able to practice medicine in a manner that will not
endanger the public health and safety and will maintain the integrity
of the medical profession. The program, if established, shall aid a
physician and surgeon with those health issues impacting his or her
ability to practice medicine.