In addition, within 30 days of the order's final date, notify with a copy of the order by first-class mail or electronic mail with appropriate return receipt/confirmation, every physician who participated in IPAMG since January 1, 2005, every physician who intends to become a member, every current IPAMG officer, director, manager and employee, and every payor with whom IPAMG has a contract. Furthermore, existing contracts may be terminated by appropriate request by the payor, or extended for 1 year per a payor's request for extension. IPAMG is also required to file an official report with the FTC within 60 days from the Order's date and again on every anniversary of the Order's date for 3 years describing in detail how it is complying with the Order, the specifics of any payor with whom IPAMG has contact and the receipts/confirmations from its notifications. IPAMG must also publish an official annual report/newsletter to all member physicians, a copy of the order and the complaint as prominently as if it was in a feature article. IPAMG must also notify the FTC of change of address, any acquisition, merger or consolidation, or any other change that might affect its compliance with the order. Finally, IPAMG must allow inspection by the FTC of all records and interview of IPAMG officers, directors, or employees upon 5 days' notice (Federal Trade Commission, 2009, pp. 4-10). The penalties, while extensive, appear fair because IPAMG consented to them, they will effectively prevent further anti-competitive violations, ensure highly...

Conclusion
The FTC reports, educates and brings, hears and decides cases involving unfair competition or threats to consumer protection. One of its actions involved AllCare/IPAMG, which conspired to unfairly fix prices in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45. After consent by IPAMG, an order was issued with multiple penalties and checks on IPAMG actions for 3 years after the order. Though the penalties were extensive, they were fair due to consent and their effectiveness in limiting future violations by IPAMG.

Works Cited

Federal Trade Commission. (2009, February 3). In the Matter of Independent Physician Associates Medical Group, Inc., doing business as AllCare IPA, a California corporation. Retrieved on March 19, 2013 from www.ftc.gov Web site: http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/0610258/index.shtm

Federal Trade Commission. (2009, February 2). In the matter of IPAMG, a California corporation - Decision and order. Retrieved on March 19, 2013 from www.ftc.gov Web site: http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/0610258/090203allcareipado.pdf

Federal Trade Commission. (2012, January 5). About the Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved on March 19, 2013 from www.ftc.gov Web site: http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/about.shtm