Profession
Calif. oral surgeons lose legislative battle to expand scope of practice
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 20, 2004
California's oral and maxillofacial surgeons in August lost their attempt to expand their scope of practice. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have granted them the authority to perform elective cosmetic surgery on the jaw, face and adjacent structures.
The bill was ardently opposed by the California Society of Plastic Surgeons and other physician groups who said patient safety was at risk because oral surgeons do not have the same depth of medical training as plastic surgeons.
California's oral surgeons said they were doing reconstructive surgery in emergency departments and wanted to be allowed to do similar procedures on an elective basis.
Oral surgeons are authorized to perform elective cosmetic surgery in 28 states and Washington, D.C.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/09/20/prbf0920.htm.
