Physicians in Pennsylvania should be aware that a new Pennsylvania law requires physicians and their employees who provide direct patient care to wear a photo identification badge during work hours. The law became effective on January 22, 2011 and the Department of Health is required to publish regulations clarifying the law within 90 days.

The law requires that the badge list the professional license or certification of the health care provider in a font that is larger than the provider’s name and degree. The badge is required to be worn at all times unless it is not clinically feasible to do so when providing patient care.