Sasmita PatiThe Colorado State Board of Medicine Rules on Advertising for Medical Doctors are outlined in Rule 290 3 CCR 713-31, which states that licensees must avoid misleading the public in their advertising. This includes:
Making false or misleading claims about their qualifications, experience, or services.
Using testimonials that are not truthful or that do not include disclaimers about the credentials of the person making the testimonial.
Making claims about the success of their treatments or procedures that are not supported by evidence.
Advertising prices for services that are not real or that do not include all of the fees associated with the service.
Licensees are also required to have in their possession information that substantiates the truthfulness of any claims made in their advertising at the time the advertisement is placed.
In addition to the general rules against misleading advertising, the Colorado State Board of Medicine also has specific rules about certain types of advertising, such as:
Advertising for discounted or free services. Licensees must disclose all of the terms and conditions of any discounted or free services in their advertising.
Advertising for referral services. Licensees must disclose any financial or other arrangements they have with referral services in their advertising.
Advertising for cosmetic surgery. Licensees must disclose the risks and potential complications of cosmetic surgery in their advertising.
Licensees who violate the Colorado State Board of Medicine Rules on Advertising for Medical Doctors may be subject to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension, or revocation of their license.
Here are some examples of advertising that would be considered misleading or deceptive under the Colorado State Board of Medicine Rules:
Claiming to be a “specialist” in a particular field without having the appropriate training and certification.
Using testimonials from patients who have not actually been treated by the licensee.
Making claims about the success of a particular treatment or procedure that are not supported by scientific evidence.
Advertising a low price for a service without disclosing all of the hidden fees that may be associated with the service.
If you are considering using a medical doctor in Colorado, it is important to be aware of the Colorado State Board of Medicine Rules on Advertising for Medical Doctors. This will help you to identify and avoid misleading or deceptive advertising. You can also contact the Colorado State Board of Medicine to verify the qualifications and experience of any medical doctor you are considering using.
Obviously we are not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice, if your reading this you are likely in the healthcare industry and should speak with an Ethics Attorney or your Board. This content is for informational purpose only.
