AB 2098 Physicians and surgeons: unprofessional conduct. (Low) This bill would designate the dissemination or promotion of misinformation or disinformation related to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, or “COVID-19,” by a physician or surgeon as unprofessional conduct, allowing the Medical Board to take action against such physician or surgeon.
CURRENT STATUS: Passed both houses. Awaiting action by the Governor.
September 8, 2022 Update
AB 2098 is awaiting action by the Governor. Take action to ask Governor Newsom to veto the bill.
1. Call Governor Newsom
Call Governor Newsom at 916 445 2841
Sample Call Script: "I am calling to ask the Governor to VETO AB 2098 which would designate the dissemination or promotion of misinformation or disinformation related to COVID-19 by a doctor as unprofessional conduct. Doctors go through rigorous education and training and should be allowed to voice their medical and professional opinions freely. We already have a system in place for disciplining doctors that are causing harm."
2. Email Governor Newsom
Email Governor Newsom https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/
Sample Email: "Please VETO AB 2098 which would designate the dissemination or promotion of misinformation or disinformation related to COVID-19 by a doctor as unprofessional conduct. Doctors go through rigorous education and training and should be allowed to voice their medical and professional opinions freely. We already have a system in place for disciplining doctors that are causing harm."
3. Join our twitter campaign
1) Go here for images and sample tweets.
2) Follow and retweet CHCA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CHCAdvocacy
Talking Points for AB 2098
Specific Ask: Oppose AB 2098 or abstain from voting on the bill.
Main Talking Points
- Doctors go through rigorous education and training and should be allowed to voice their medical and professional opinions freely.
- Science and medicine have historically been advanced through minority voices. The stifling of dissenting opinion will have long lasting effects on the advancement of health care.
- The unintended consequence might be that the healthcare provider shortage would be exacerbated by the proposed law.
- The understanding of the data and science related to COVID-19 continues to change as more studies are done. Standards of care are being updated as new information and treatments emerge. Any attempt at determining “contemporary scientific consensus” will be fleeting.
