Senate Passes Bill To Allow Oral Surgeons To Perform Some Elective Cosmetic Surgeries
The Senate on Wednesday voted 33-0 to approve a bill (SB 1336) that would allow oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform common elective surgeries that are generally performed by plastic surgeons, the San Francisco Chronicle reports (Hubbell, San Francisco Chronicle, 5/20). Oral surgeons -- many of whom are not medical doctors -- already perform some types of medically necessary facial procedures but are barred from performing such surgeries on an elective basis. The bill, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore John Burton (D-San Francisco) and Sen. Jim Brulte (R-Rancho Cucamonga), would permit oral surgeons to perform elective procedures such as eye lifts and Botox injections at patients' requests, instead of only when medically necessary. The legislation would require oral surgeons to pay a $150 fee and gain board certification (California Healthline, 5/18). According to the Chronicle, the bill's supporters, including the California Dental Association, say the legislation "recognizes the proficiency oral surgeons already demonstrate in many facial procedures." Opponents, such as the California Medical Association, say that only experienced physicians should perform such procedures. The bill now moves to the Assembly for consideration (San Francisco Chronicle, 5/20).
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