Physician Apnea

Physician Liability Concerns

California law requires physicians report to their county health officer all patients "Characterized by lapses of consciousness or periods of confusion which may become a chronic condition." Lapses of consciousness, as caused, for example, by chronic excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or narcolepsy, must also be reported. (Title 17: California Code of Regulations, Section 2572).

Physicians who have seen a patient with these conditions, and who have not notified their county health officer, may be held liable for damages that occur as a result of their patient's actions such as accidents caused by the patient at work or on the highway. This report, known as the "Confidential Morbidity Report," must be faxed to the county health officer where the physician has seen the patient. For a copy of the form please call Progressive Medical at 800-491-2292 and we will fax you the form.