Statement of the Judicial Council Re: Advertising and Solicitation

This statement reaffirms the long-standing policy of the Judicial Council on advertising and solicitation by physicians. The Principles of Medical Ethics are intended to discourage abusive practices that exploit patients and the public and interfere with freedom in making an informed choice of physicians and free competition among physicians. Advertising.— The Principles do not proscribe advertising; they proscribe the solicitation of patients. Advertising means the action of making information or intention known to the public. The public is entitled to know the names of physicians, the type of their practices, the location of their offices, their office hours, and other useful information that will enable people to make a more informed choice of physician. The physician may furnish this information through the accepted local media of advertising or communication, which are open to all physicians on like conditions. Office signs, professional cards, dignified announcements, telephone directory listings, and reputable directories