Maryland Enacts Truth-In-Advertising Law for Cosmetic Physicians

As of October 1, 2012, physicians in Maryland who advertise themselves as board certified must include their area of specialty and the certifying board. The new law (SB 395/HB 957) also specifies that the only recognized certifying boards are the 24 members of the American Board of Medical Specialties (www.abms.org).
Plastic surgeon Henry Garazo, MD, applauded the bill, which he feels will help consumers as they investigate cosmetic procedures and providers. “Given the recent rise in popularity of plastic surgery, many non-plastic surgery trained physicians have been calling themselves cosmetic surgeons and going to weekend courses in an attempt to perform cosmetic surgery,” he says. “Previously there was no requirement, with many only stating they were 'board certified.'”