NYSDOH Now Requires OPMC Signs in Physician Offices

A New York State bill, Senate Bill S6678A, enacted by Governor Andrew Cuomo states that all physicians’ practice setting must “conspicuously post signage, visible to their patients, directing such patients to the Office of Professional Medical Conduct’s (OPMC) website for information about their rights and how to report professional misconduct.”

In a statement issued by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY), President Bonnie Litvack says, while the society does not object to expanding public awareness regarding protocol for filing a complaint against a physician, it is “very concerned with the distrust and unnecessary anxiety that will be created by a mandate.” She continues explaining that the law will only serve to discourage physicians from practicing in the State of New York, an outcome that will threaten “patient access to needed specialized care.”

MSSNY notes there is no specific language for signage specified by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and suggests the following template be used to meet the provisions:

“We are committed to ensuring that our patients receive appropriate medical care.  You can get information regarding your rights and how to report professional misconduct at https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/conduct.”

MSSNY reports that NYSDOH has sent a letter to all physicians informing them of the new law and, as outlined in the Department communication, “failure to post this sign could subject the physician to discipline by the OPMC if it is shown that there was a ‘willful or grossly negligent’ failure to comply.”

MLMIC encourages all physician practices to comply with this newly enacted legislation.  We will continue to monitor MSSNY’s news and the NYSDOH in our ongoing efforts to provide our insureds with relevant changes to law that impacts the practice of medicine in NYS.