Plain English Breakdown
The phrase 'except as specified' indicates there are allowed situations for editing records, but the official summary does not describe what those situations are.
Physicians and Surgeons: Medical Records
AB-1637 states that physicians are responsible for their patient notes, summaries, and treatment plans, prohibiting anyone else from changing them except as specified.
What This Bill Does
- States that a physician's patient medical documentation notes are the responsibility of that specific physician.
- Prohibits altering, modifying, or editing patient notes, after-visit summaries, and diagnoses and treatment plans by anyone other than the authoring physician, except as specified.
- Expands the scope of crimes under the Medical Practice Act for violating these rules.
Who It Names or Affects
- Physicians and surgeons in California
- The Medical Board of California
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill prohibits changes by others 'except as specified,' but the provided text does not list those specific exceptions.
- The effective date is not listed in the official source material.