Continuing medical education.

Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California. Under that act, the board is required to adopt and administer standards for the continuing education of physicians and surgeons. Existing law requires physicians and surgeons to complete a mandatory continuing education course in the subjects of pain management and the treatment of terminally ill and dying patients, except that it does not apply to physicians and surgeons practicing in pathology or radiology specialty areas. Existing law also requires the board to periodically disseminate information and educational material regarding detection of spousal or partner abuse to physicians and surgeons and acute care hospitals. This bill would authorize the board to also set content standards for an educational activity concerning chronic disease, as specified. The bill would require the board to periodically disseminate information and educational material regarding nutritional and lifestyle behavior for prevention and treatment of chronic disease to physicians and surgeons and acute care hospitals. The bill would require the board to convene a working group regarding nutrition and lifestyle behavior, as specified.