AB2098 designates COVID-19 “disinformation” or “misinformation” by physicians as unprofessional conduct, allowing the Medical Board to take action against doctors who merely apply their independent judgement in treating or discussing the disease.

This bill has passed the state Assembly, and the state Senate’s Business, Professions, & Economic Development committee is set to consider it on June 27, 2022.  The committee requires public comment to be submitted by Monday, June 20.  California Health Coalition Advocacy has been tracking this bill, and we urge you to help them stop this assault on both science and free speech.

AB2098 Harms Doctors and the Public

CHCA points out that doctors go through rigorous education and training and should be allowed to voice their medical and professional opinions freely.  And science and medicine has historically been advance 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.  Further, 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.  And any attempt at determining “contemporary scientific consensus” will be fleeting.