Physicians Support New Bill Requiring Health Care Providers To Clarify Credentials In Ads

Reps. Sullivan, McDermott introduce Health Care Truth and Transparency Act

May 10, 2007 -- Washington, D.C. – Today's introduction of bipartisan legislation that would make it unlawful for health care providers to misrepresent their qualifications to patients was applauded by the American Medical Association and physician specialty societies.

"It's important that patients know the qualifications of the health care professional caring for them," said AMA Board Member William Hazel Jr., MD. "The AMA and its medical specialty partners applaud Reps. John Sullivan and Jim McDermott for introducing legislation that protects patients by strengthening the Federal Trade Commission's authority to challenge misleading marketing by non-physician medical providers."

Joining the AMA in public support of the Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 (H.R. 2260) are the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, American Psychiatric Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Public confusion about the qualifications of various types of health care providers has led to the need for legislation that requires non-physicians to clearly state their professional credentials in advertisements. A nationwide survey found that more than 70 percent think a podiatrist and optometrist are medical doctors. More than 50 percent think chiropractors and psychologists are medical doctors.

"Patients deserve to be properly informed about the level of education and training of health care providers marketing their services," said Dr. Hazel.

Source: American Medical Association