Truth in advertising in Georgia
Ask the Expert
February 1, 2024
DermWorld interviews Alexander Gross, MD, FAAD, chair of the Academy State Policy Committee, about his efforts in advocating for a truth in advertising bill in Georgia.
DermWorld: In a win for Georgia dermatologists, the entire medical community in Georgia, as well as their patients, in 2023 the Georgia legislature passed a bill that would limit use of medical specialty titles in advertisements to physicians — clarifying this information for patients who are looking for dermatologists or other specialists. Tell us about the bill and why the Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery supported it.
DermWorld: Tell us about the role collaboration and grassroots advocacy played in your Georgia state advocacy efforts.
Dr. Gross: The Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (GSDDS) is part of a grassroots coalition called the Georgia Alliance for Patient Protection (GAPP). The organization’s leadership consists of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and the Medical Association of Georgia. In addition to the GSDDS lobbyist, GAPP has enlisted two contract lobbyists who are well known for working in the health care sector. Passing this law was a true collaborative effort between individual physicians and organized medicine interacting with members of the General Assembly to pass a law that protects patients. A member of GSDDS, Dr. Tanda Lane, provided testimony at the Senate hearing. AADA and GSDDS provided letters of support for the bill.
DermWorld: How did you go about educating lawmakers about the dangers of non-physicians advertising themselves as doctors and specialists without disclosing that they are not physicians?
Dr. Gross: We are fortunate to have four physician legislators in Georgia, two in the Senate, and two in the House of Representatives. It is helpful to find lawmakers who understand the issues and are passionate about patient safety and protecting the public. In passing the Truth and Transparency Act, it was important to emphasize that the law in no way restricts access to care.
DermWorld: Scope of practice expansions for non-physicians are a reoccurring theme in state legislation throughout the country. What advice do you have for other states and Academy members who are considering truth in advertising legislation as a proactive tactic to combat scope bills that threaten patient safety?
Dr. Gross: It is helpful for dermatologists to form relationships with their local representatives and educate them on the importance of our specialty and our issues. State dermatology societies should work with the AADA and their state medical associations.
Alexander Gross, MD, FAAD, is the chair of the AADA’s State Policy Committee.
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