BILL NUMBER: SB 1177INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Senator Galgiani FEBRUARY 18, 2016 An act to add Article 14 (commencing with Section 2340) to Chapter 5 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 1177, as introduced, Galgiani. Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program. Existing law establishes in the Department of Consumer Affairs the Substance Abuse Coordination Committee, comprised of the executive officers of the department's healing arts boards and a designee of the State Department of Health Care Services. Existing law requires the committee to formulate, by January 1, 2010, uniform and specific standards in specified areas that each healing arts board is required to use in dealing with substance-abusing licensees, whether or not a healing arts board has a formal diversion program. Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California within the department. This bill would authorize the board to establish a Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program for the early identification and appropriate interventions to support a physician and surgeon in his or her rehabilitation from substance abuse, physical or mental illness, burnout, or other similar conditions, as specified. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Article 14 (commencing with Section 2340) is added to Chapter 5 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, to read: Article 14. Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program 2340. The board may establish a Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program for the early identification and appropriate interventions to support a physician and surgeon in his or her rehabilitation from substance abuse, physical or mental illness, burnout, or other similar conditions to ensure that the physician and surgeon remains able to practice medicine in a manner that will not endanger the public health and safety and will maintain the integrity of the medical profession. The program, if established, shall aid a physician and surgeon with those health issues impacting his or her ability to practice medicine.