SB 408 Summary

• Establishes the "Physician Designation Disclosure Act" requiring health care entities to include minimum standards in physician performance designations, including quality of care components and statistically valid data adjusted for patient population and case mix.

• Mandates conspicuous disclaimers in bold type stating designations are guides only, should not be the sole selection factor, carry error risk, and requires disclosure of methodology and data to physicians within 45 days of request.

• Requires health care entities to provide written notice at least 45 days before using, changing, or declining physician designations and establish appeal procedures allowing physicians to submit corrected data and request face-to-face meetings.

• Prohibits implementation of designation changes during appeals and requires public updates within 30 days after appeals are final; prohibits health care entities from limiting physician enforcement rights through contracts.

• Makes violations of the act enforceable through civil action and constitutes unfair or deceptive practices; effective November 1, 2015.