In our last post, we began looking at the complaint process as overseen by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. As we noted last time, one of the aims of the investigating complaints is to determine whether the physician who is the subject of the complaint met the minimum standard of care under the circumstances. This, of course, is also a central issue in medical malpractice litigation.
A brief look at the physician complaint review process in MN
For physicians, coming under investigation for negligence, misconduct or violation of ethical duties can be a scary experience. A lot can ride on these investigations, and depending on the allegations, the results of the investigation, and the discretion of the medical board, a physician’s ability to continue working in the profession can be threatened.
Four reasons a nurse might lose their license
Nurses are a vital part of the healthcare community. Whether you're employed by a hospital, private practice, clinic or other healthcare organization, your main focus is making sure patients receive the best care possible. Along with caring for patients you may also be tasked with administrative duties as well as assisting doctors' needs.
MN preemption bill could impact paid leave ordinances, minimum wage efforts
Last week, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted to pass legislation that would remove the ability of local governments to establish wage and benefit ordinances. The measure would both invalidate existing ordinances and make any future attempts to pass such laws ineffective. One set of ordinances the measure would nullify would be the paid sick leave ordinances passed by both Minneapolis and St. Paul in 2016.
Work with experienced legal counsel when prescription practices come under state scrutiny, P.2
Previously, we began discussing the issue of prescription opioid abuse, and the fact that there can be valid differences among physicians regarding the use of opioids in managing chronic pain. One of the interesting things to consider on this issue is that the current push for caution in prescribing opoids is that it is, in many respects, a reaction to efforts made in the 1980s to get doctors to be more sensitive in managing their patients’ pain.
Work with experienced legal counsel when prescription practices come under state scrutiny
Prescription opioid abuse is a serious public health issue, and states and the federal government are currently working on addressing the issue in a variety of ways, from increasing physician training on opioid prescription and establishing prescription guidelines to taking stricter disciplinary measures against physicians accused of prescription opioid abuse.
