Section 2501.

In fulfilling their responsibilities under this article, the boards shall , on or before July 1, 2002, establish disciplinary policies and procedures to reflect emerging and innovative medical practices for licensed physicians and surgeons. The boards shall solicit the participation of interested parties in the development and preparation of these policies and procedures and shall consult technical advisors as necessary to fulfill the purposes of this article. In preparing these policies and procedures, the boards shall consult with professional medical associations and review the need for any changes in the boards' services, procedures, and activities. The boards shall also assess the need for:

(a) Specific standards for informed consent, if any, in order for patients to be able to understand the risks and benefits associated with the range of treatment options available.

(b) Standards for investigations to assure competent review in cases involving the practice of any type of alternative medicine, including, but not limited to, the skills and training of investigators.

(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 660, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2001.)