1. Advertising 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of Business and Professions Code Section 651 in relation to physician advertising?

Answer 1

Business and Professions Code Section 651 sets regulations to ensure that advertising by physicians is honest truthful and not misleading to the public aiming to protect consumers.

Question 2

What is the role of the Administrative Director in the complaint process?

Answer 2

The Administrative Director is responsible for reviewing the complaints related to physician advertising determining their validity and taking appropriate action based on the submitted complaints.

Question 3

What is the significance of including the details regarding the manner and form of publication in a complaint?

Answer 3

Including these details helps the Administrative Director locate and review the specific advertising copy in question which is essential for assessing the legitimacy of the complaint.

Question 4

What actions may be prompted if the advertising is found to violate regulations?

Answer 4

If the advertising is found to violate Business and Professions Code Section 651 or relevant regulations it may lead to sanctions against the physician or corrective actions mandated by the regulatory agency.

Question 5

What details about the physician or advertisement must the complainant provide if identification is not possible?

Answer 5

The complainant should provide as much relevant information as possible to assist in identifying the physician including descriptions of the advertisement and conditions under which it was encountered.

Question 6

What limitations are placed on the Administrative Director or Medical Director regarding taking independent action in investigations?

Answer 6

Regulations prevent the Administrative Director or Medical Director from acting independently without receipt of a complaint to initiate an investigation and issue a complaint on their own motion unless there is reason to believe that there has been a violation of Business and Professions Code section 651 or relevant regulations.

Question 7

What must occur upon receipt of a complaint under Section 155 of the regulations regarding a physician?

Answer 7

Upon receipt of a complaint the Administrative Director is required to serve a written notice of complaint on the physician. This notice directs the physician to file a copy of their advertising with the Medical Director within 15 working days from the date the notice was served.

Question 8

What authority does the Medical Director have upon receiving a complaint about a physician’s advertising?

Answer 8

The Medical Director has the authority to take necessary steps to determine whether the complaint has merit after receiving the complaint. This includes reviewing the physician’s advertising provided in response to the notice.

Question 9

What specific regulatory code is mentioned in relation to violations that may trigger an investigation by the Administrative or Medical Director?

Answer 9

The regulatory code mentioned is the Business and Professions Code section 651.

Question 10

What is the timeframe within which a physician must respond to a complaint by filing their advertising with the Medical Director?

Answer 10

The physician must file a copy of their advertising with the Medical Director within 15 working days of the notice served by the Administrative Director.

Question 11

What is the role of the Medical Director in response to the receipt of complaints under these regulations?

Answer 11

The role of the Medical Director is to evaluate the complaints by taking necessary steps to ascertain the validity or merit of the filed complaint.

Question 12

What action is prevented by regulations concerning the Administrative Director’s ability to act based on their own reasoning?

Answer 12

Regulations prevent the Administrative Director from independently initiating an investigation or issuing a complaint without a complaint being filed unless they have reason to believe there has been a violation.

Question 13

Can the Administrative Director or Medical Director act on suspicions of violations without a formal complaint?

Answer 13

Generally they cannot act independently based on their own suspicions; an investigation requires a formal complaint unless there is reasonable belief of a violation.

Question 14

How does the initial process of handling a complaint against a physician begin according to the regulations?

Answer 14

The process begins when a complaint is received by the Administrative Director who then serves a written notice to the physician involved.

Question 15

What is the timeframe for filing a complaint after receiving the physician’s response?

Answer 15

A complaint must be filed within fifteen (15) working days of the Administrative Director’s receipt of the physician’s response.

Question 16

What notification options does the Administrative Director have after receiving a complaint?

Answer 16

The Administrative Director has several options after receiving a complaint: A) Investigate the complaint B) Require additional time to ascertain the complaint’s merit C) Refer the complaint to another agency with jurisdiction D) Take no further action due to lack of jurisdiction or E) Take no further action because the allegations do not warrant further action.

Question 17

What must a physician file when submitting advertising copy with the Medical Director?

Answer 17

When filing advertising copy with the Medical Director the physician must also file an answer to the complaint briefly detailing the grounds on which the physician believes the copy is compliant with relevant regulations.

Question 18

What does option D entail regarding the Administrative Director’s action on a complaint?

Answer 18

Option D entails that the Administrative Director will take no further action on the complaint because they lack jurisdiction over the person or conduct that is the subject of the complaint.

Question 19

What does option E state regarding the action taken on a complaint?

Answer 19

Option E states that the Administrative Director will take no further action on the complaint because the allegations of the complaint do not warrant further action for the reasons outlined in the response.

Question 20

In what scenario would the Administrative Director require additional time after receiving a complaint?

Answer 20

The Administrative Director may require additional time to ascertain whether the complaint has merit which is option B in their notification process.

Question 21

What must the physician’s answer to the complaint include regarding the advertising copy?

Answer 21

The physician’s answer must briefly set forth the grounds on which they believe the advertising copy is in compliance with the relevant Business and Professional Code.

Question 22

What is the purpose of Professions Code Section 651 in relation to physicians?

Answer 22

Professions Code Section 651 pertains to the regulations and requirements that govern physicians particularly in how they respond to complaints and defend their practices through appropriate channels such as the Administrative Director or licensing boards.

Question 23

Can a physician present different grounds of defense after submitting an answer to a complaint?

Answer 23

Yes according to the provided text nothing in the answer precludes a physician from presenting further or different grounds of defense before the Administrative Director or the appropriate licensing board.

Question 24

What actions can the Medical Director take upon reviewing a physician’s answer to a complaint?

Answer 24

The Medical Director may either dismiss the complaint or informally resolve it if deemed appropriate after reviewing the physician’s answer.

Question 25

What authority does the Administrative Director have regarding an unrequested review of a physician's advertising?

Answer 25

The Administrative Director has the authority to request a physician to provide a copy of any advertising used for review even without a complaint and this request must be made in writing and personally served on the physician.

Question 26

What is the timeframe for a physician appointed as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) to respond to a request for advertising material?

Answer 26

The QME must deliver a copy of the advertising material to the Administrative Director within fifteen (15) working days of receiving the notice.

Question 27

What consequence does a QME face for failing to comply with the request for advertising material?

Answer 27

If the QME fails to comply the Administrative Director may infer that the advertising material used is in violation of the relevant Business and Professions Codes.

Question 28

What is the role of the Administrative Director in the context of advertising by physicians?

Answer 28

The Administrative Director is responsible for ensuring that the advertising used by physicians complies with legal regulations. They can request advertising for review and take action if violations are suspected.

Question 29

What is a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME)?

Answer 29

A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is a physician appointed to perform medical evaluations in relation to workers' compensation claims to assess the medical condition of injured workers.

Question 30

What must accompany a request for advertising material to ensure it is valid?

Answer 30

The request for advertising material must be made in writing and personally served to the physician to ensure validity and compliance.

Question 31

What are the potential outcomes after a Medical Director reviews a complaint against a physician?

Answer 31

The potential outcomes include dismissal of the complaint or informal resolution of the complaint by the Medical Director.

Question 32

Why is it important for physicians to comply with requests from the Administrative Director?

Answer 32

Compliance is crucial as failure to do so may lead to inferred violations of professional standards which can impact the physician's licensure and reputation.

Question 33

What is the maximum penalty that the Administrative Director can impose for a violation based on the negative inference from Professions Code Section 651?

Answer 33

The maximum penalty is suspension of the physician's appointment as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) for a period of six months followed by a period of probation not to exceed one year.

Question 34

What is the time frame in which a non-QME physician must deliver a copy of their advertising to the Administrative Director upon request?

Answer 34

A non-QME physician must deliver a copy of their advertising to the Administrative Director within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of the request.

Question 35

What happens if a non-QME physician fails to provide the requested advertising copy to the Administrative Director?

Answer 35

If a non-QME physician fails to provide the advertising copy the Administrative Director shall refer the matter to that physician's licensing board for appropriate proceedings.

Question 36

What authority does the Medical Director have regarding the review of a physician's advertising copy?

Answer 36

The Medical Director can determine whether the advertising copy violates Business and Professions Code section 651 or related regulations after reviewing it along with the physician's response to the complaint.

Question 37

What is a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME)?

Answer 37

A QME is a physician who has been appointed and authorized to evaluate injured workers in accordance with the Workers' Compensation system.

Question 38

What are the implications of a violation of Business and Professions Code Section 651?

Answer 38

A violation can lead to sanctions against the physician including suspension from being a QME and possible referral to their licensing board.

Question 39

What does 'negative inference' refer to in the context of Professions Code Section 651?

Answer 39

'Negative inference' refers to the assumption that a violation occurs based on the physician's failure to comply with the provisions set forth in the code or regulations.

Question 40

How long can the probation period last after the suspension of a QME?

Answer 40

The probation period can last up to one year following the suspension.

Question 41

In what context is Business and Professions Code section 651 applied?

Answer 41

Business and Professions Code section 651 is applied in the context of regulating advertising practices for physicians and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

Question 42

What are the consequences of a physician being found in violation of the regulations set forth under Code Section 651?

Answer 42

Consequences may include suspension from QME status probationary terms and potential disciplinary actions from the physician's licensing board.

Question 43

What sections of the California Code of Regulations outline the disciplinary and hearing procedures relevant to QMEs?

Answer 43

Sections 60 through 65 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.

Question 44

What action must the Medical Director take upon reaching a final decision regarding a QME's violation?

Answer 44

The Medical Director shall forward a copy of any final decision regarding such violations to the physician's licensing board for further proceedings.

Question 45

What should the Medical Director do if the physician under investigation is not currently a QME?

Answer 45

The Medical Director should forward a copy of the preliminary determination the complaint and all supporting documentation to the appropriate physician's licensing board for proper proceedings.

Question 46

What can happen to a QME found to have violated Business and Professions Code section 651 or related regulations?

Answer 46

A QME found to have violated these provisions may have their QME status terminated suspended or placed on probation by the Administrative Director.

Question 47

Who has the authority to impose probation on a QME and what may this probation entail?

Answer 47

The Administrative Director has the authority to impose probation on a QME which may include conditions deemed appropriate by the Administrative Director.

Question 48

What is the purpose of involving the physician's licensing board in the investigation and violation process?

Answer 48

The physician's licensing board is involved to conduct proceedings as they deem proper ensuring adherence to medical practice standards and regulations.

Question 49

What kind of documentation must the Medical Director include when forwarding information to the licensing board regarding a QME?

Answer 49

The Medical Director must include the preliminary determination the complaint and all supporting documentation relevant to the case.

Question 50

What are the potential consequences for a QME found in violation of regulations?

Answer 50

Consequences can include termination of QME status suspension or probation with specific conditions.

Question 51

What regulatory code governs the actions and penalties related to QMEs in California?

Answer 51

Business and Professions Code section 651 governs the actions and penalties related to QMEs.

Question 52

Why is it important for the Medical Director to keep a record of final decisions regarding QMEs?

Answer 52

It is important to maintain accountability and to ensure that any violations are recorded and addressed appropriately by the physician's licensing board.

Question 53

What are some corrective measures the Administrative Director can require after a violation of Business and Professions Code section 651?

Answer 53

The Administrative Director can require reasonable corrective measures including but not limited to the publication of corrective advertising and the submission of future advertising copy for the Director's approval before it is used.

Question 54

What factors does the Administrative Director consider when determining penalties for violations of advertising regulations under Business and Professions Code section 651?

Answer 54

The factors considered include: 1. The seriousness or materiality of the misrepresentation; 2. Whether the physician cooperated with the investigation; 3. Whether the violation was a single event or part of a pattern that demonstrates a business practice; 4. The violator's record of prior discipline by the Administrative Director Medical Board or other appropriate licensing boards; 5. The violator's record of contempt reprimands or adjudications issued by the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board.

Question 55

What does the term 'materiality of the misrepresentation' refer to in the context of advertising violations?

Answer 55

Materiality of the misrepresentation refers to the significance of the false or misleading information presented in advertising. A serious misrepresentation might lead to a more severe penalty as it could have a substantial impact on consumer decision-making regarding the services offered.

Question 56

How does cooperation with an investigation affect the penalty assessed by the Administrative Director?

Answer 56

A physician's level of cooperation with the investigation can influence the penalty. If a physician fully cooperates it may be viewed more favorably and could lead to a lighter penalty as opposed to if the physician were uncooperative.

Question 57

What is meant by 'pattern sufficient to demonstrate a business practice' in the context of violations?

Answer 57

A pattern sufficient to demonstrate a business practice indicates that the violation is not just an isolated incident but rather part of a recurring business behavior. Such patterns may lead to harsher penalties as they imply a systematic issue in the physician's advertising practices.

Question 58

What types of records can lead to aggravating factors in the determination of penalties for advertising violations?

Answer 58

Records that can lead to aggravating factors include prior disciplines from the Administrative Director the Medical Board or other licensing boards as well as any records of contempt reprimands or adjudications from the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board.

Question 59

Why is it important for the Administrative Director to assess the seriousness of a misrepresentation?

Answer 59

Assessing the seriousness of a misrepresentation is crucial because it helps determine the potential harm caused to consumers the integrity of the medical profession and the appropriate level of response and penalty to uphold ethical advertising standards.

Question 60

What role does the Medical Board play in conjunction with the Administrative Director's enforcement of advertising regulations?

Answer 60

The Medical Board works in conjunction with the Administrative Director to oversee and enforce regulations related to medical advertising ensuring that medical professionals adhere to ethical standards and practices within the advertising of their services.

Question 61

What might be included in 'corrective advertising' as mandated by the Administrative Director?

Answer 61

Corrective advertising could include multiple communication strategies aimed at countering the misleading information previously propagated such as full disclosures of what was misrepresented statements that clarify the truth of the services provided or public announcements that rectify previous claims.

Question 62

How does a history of prior discipline impact a current assessment of penalties for advertising violations?

Answer 62

A history of prior discipline can result in harsher penalties for current violations as it may indicate a pattern of non-compliance and suggest that the violator has not learned from past mistakes.