Jul 13, 2007 2:09 am US/Pacific
Call Kurtis: Medical Board Changes Policies
by Kurtis Ming
(CBS13)
The California Medical Board sent CBS13 News a news release outlining several policy changes to the diversion program. They're taking a zero tolerance approach to doctors in diversion who test positive for alcohol or drugs.
Medical Board Diversion Program new policy changes now include:
-Doctors who test positive will be removed from practice
-Work-site monitors must not have a conflict of interest
-Doctors can't claim vacation to skip out on tests
That's not what happened in the case of Dr. Brian west.
While in the program, we uncovered, the Sacramento area plastic surgeon failed several alcohol tests, but the state still allowed him practice medicine. More than 30 patients say he made medical mistakes on them.
______________
More Consumer Stories Contact Kurtis _______________
In our investigation, we learned the state wasn't giving doctors in the program drugs and alcohol tests as often as required, and the tests were given on days doctors could anticipate. As we've reported, the state also allowed Dr. West's office manager to be his work-site monitor and be someone who supposed to keep an eye on him at work, to make sure he wasn't drinking.
Despite the changes, critics say enough is enough. After 27 year of being a flawed program, patients who ended up hurt say they want the program to go away.
"No, I don't think they should have any more time, they need to abolish it," said Tina Minasian, former Dr. West patient.
Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas wrote a bill to extend the diversion program for another two years. It is still being talked about at the capitol.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments