Physician Health and Wellness Program.

Here's a draft summary of AB 408 for an informed general audience:

Assembly Member Berman's comprehensive overhaul of California's physician wellness program expands support services for medical professionals facing physical and mental health challenges that could affect their ability to practice safely. The legislation replaces the existing Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program with a broader initiative encompassing physicians, surgeons, and other licensed healthcare professionals, including students and trainees.

Under the new framework, the Medical Board of California would contract with qualified nonprofit organizations to administer confidential evaluation, treatment, and monitoring services. These organizations must demonstrate expertise in mental health and substance use disorders, with leadership including at least one medical director specialized in addiction medicine or psychiatry. The program would operate independently from the board's disciplinary process for voluntary participants, though the board retains authority to mandate participation through probation orders when appropriate.

The legislation establishes strict confidentiality protections for participant records while maintaining necessary reporting requirements when public safety concerns arise. Program administrators must notify the board if participants pose an immediate danger to public safety or fail to comply with treatment requirements. Healthcare professionals would be required to report colleagues they believe are impaired, with the reporting individual's identity protected from disclosure. The bill authorizes the board to create advisory committees to assist with program oversight and allows it to seek grants and private funding to supplement program costs.

The measure excludes the Osteopathic Medical Board of California and its licensees from participation, maintaining separate oversight for osteopathic physicians. Participants remain responsible for treatment and monitoring costs, though employers, insurers, or other third parties may provide coverage.