Using Testimonials in Medical Marketing in NY

It's not often I can get a straight answer from medical boards in various states about their professional codes as they relate to medical marketing, but New York has proven a helpful exception. Despite the fact that is common to see testimonials in medical website design for New York plastic surgeons, it is not allowed.

In New York state, physicians are governed the New York State Education Department's Office of the Professions. And when it comes to marketing, the code to be concerned about is Article 131-A, Section 6530.27. You can see the full text on at http://www.op.nysed.gov/article131-a.htm. Unlike California's business and professions code (which reads like VCR instructions back in the day when technology was confusing), the language is plain: "Advertising or soliciting not in the public interest shall include, but not be limited to, advertising or soliciting that:
uses testimonials."

So, if you are a physician, physicians assistant or medical specialist in NY, bottom line, no testimonials should appear in any advertising. And while I am reaching out on a limb here, I would also guess that real patient stories that quote a patient are frowned upon.