MSSNY Responds to Governor Signing Legislation to Require OPMC Signs in Physician Offices

For Immediate Release 

October 7, 2020

MSSNY Responds to Governor Signing Legislation to
Require OPMC Signs in Physician Offices

Statement Attributable to:
Bonnie Litvack, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York

“As we stated repeatedly when this bill was being considered by the Legislature, MSSNY has no objection to expanding public awareness for how patients can file complaints about a particular physician with the Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC).  The OPMC provides an essential patient safety oversight function that helps to protect the public by removing aberrant practitioners.

“However, we are very concerned with the distrust and unnecessary anxiety that will be created by a mandate that every physician post a readily noticeable sign in their office or other practice setting regarding how patients can report a physician to the disciplinary Board.

“We believe this law unfairly singles out physicians – as opposed to any type of health care provider or other professional – for this signage requirement.  With already ample information available through a basic internet search regarding how a patient can file a complaint to the OPMC about a particular physician, this requirement is unnecessary.

“Many physicians have expressed frustration that this signage requirement is symbolic of the confounding lack of appreciation for the countless patient lives saved and improved every day by physicians across this state.  It was only a few short months ago that physicians were regularly lauded as heroes for their efforts in responding to the pandemic.

“Legislation such as this will only serve to discourage more physicians from wanting to practice in the State of New York, threatening patient access to needed specialized care.  Indeed, New York already loses the vast majority of resident physicians it pays to train.  We urge our policymakers to focus on measures to maintain and increase physician supply rather than measures that will drive them away.”

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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.


Media Contact:
Roseann Raia

Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302
rraia@mssny.org