California Medical Association (CMA) President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., M.D., issued the following statement in response to rogue physicians selling bogus mask exemptions:

"We are deeply troubled by reports that a few rogue physicians have decided to ignore the science surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and place the lives of children and their families in danger. There are very few medical reasons and situations that would exempt an individual from masking requirements. It strains credulity to think that a single physician would have dozens or hundreds of patients with valid medical claims for such an exemption. Unfortunately, we know there are bad actors who are willing to operate outside the accepted standards of care in order to turn a personal profit. This needs to stop. Physicians have an obligation and a duty to uphold the oath we all take when we assume the awesome responsibility of practicing medicine. Stories like the one coming out of Roseville undermine the credibility of the medical profession and put members of the public at risk. We need strong, immediate action to ensure bad actors are not given carte blanche to interpret the law as they wish."