Senate Approves Measure Allowing Oral Surgeons To Perform Some Elective Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
The Senate on Tuesday unanimously voted to approve a bill that would allow dentists trained in surgery to perform elective facial cosmetic surgery, the Los Angeles Times reports (Rau, Los Angeles Times, 8/18). The bill (SB 1336) would allow oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform common elective surgeries that are generally performed by plastic surgeons. The legislation would require oral surgeons to pay a $150 fee and gain board certification to perform procedures on the neck and face, such as eye lifts and Botox injections, at patients' requests, instead of only when medically necessary (California Healthline, 8/12).
The measure requires approval from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), who has not taken a position on the issue.
Michael Cedars, president of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, said, "The governor's wise use of his veto power is the last chance to save Californians from dangerous legislation that would allow dental surgeons without medical degrees to perform cosmetic plastic surgery. The governor has expressed his disdain for special interest legislation, and there's no better way to describe SB 1336."
California Medical Association President Jack Lewin said, "We still think there are going to be problems with this." However, he added that the association "would not aggressively be working against the bill anymore" because the Legislature has addressed some of its calls for greater oversight (Los Angeles Times, 8/18).