An Act relative to the continuing education of physicians and physician’s assistants.

SECTION 1. Section 9 of chapter 112 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting the following subsection:-

4. Every physician practicing in the Commonwealth shall, on or before July 1, 2014 complete a 1 hour online course approved by the department regarding the early recognition of eating disorders, in consultation with the department of health and human services. Each physician shall attest to the department at the time of registration, commencing with the first registration after July 1, 2014, that the professional has completed the training in accordance with this section.

Pursuant to this section, the 1 hour online course shall consist of, but not be limited to, information regarding physical, emotional and behavioral indicators of eating disorders. The department shall provide an exemption from this requirement to anyone who requests such an exemption and who clearly demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department that there would be no need for him or her to complete the training because the nature of his or her practice.

A hospital or facility shall not grant or renew professional privileges or association to a physician who has not completed the training.

SECTION 2. Section 9I of chapter 112 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, after the third paragraph, the following 3 paragraphs:-

Every physician’s assistant practicing in the Commonwealth shall, on or before July 1, 2014 complete a 1 hour online course approved by the department regarding the early recognition of eating disorders, in consultation with the department of health and human services. Each physician’s assistant shall attest to the department at the time of registration, commencing with the first registration after July 1, 2014, that the professional has completed the training in accordance with this section.

Pursuant to this section, the 1 hour online course shall consist of, but not limited to, information regarding physical, emotional and behavioral indicators of eating disorders. The department shall provide an exemption from this requirement to anyone who requests such an exemption and who clearly demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department that there would be no need for him or her to complete the training because the nature of his or her practice.

A hospital or facility shall not grant or renew professional privileges or association to a physician’s assistant who has not completed the training.