for Physicians As physicians, you know the greatest calling in life is to help those in
Have a Heart
Reality Check: If the ISC panel recommends a truly draconian penalty — one that seriously impairs the ability to practice — then go to SOAH. But not over small details; the added time and expense will not be worth the effort. It may be possible to modify the or- der later on (such as reduce the term of chart review), but there is no procedure to “lift” an agreed order once entered. If the prospect of a public order is itself too much to bear, then reject it up front and litigate.
Conclusion The Bad Idea Bears’ havoc may be humorous on Avenue Q, but real investigations are not funny. As of the end of fiscal year 2009, there were 47,890 physi-
cians in Texas. From fiscal years 2001 to 2009, TMB received 52,497 complaints; hence, every Texas physi- cian has statistically been the subject of 1.099 com- plaints in that time. TMB also opened 19,421 investigations in that time — the equivalent of 40 percent of all Texas physicians. Finally, there were 3072 disciplinary actions; that’s equal to 12.86 percent being disciplined in just eight years.
need. The PHR Assistance Fund of Texas Medical Association does just that. The fund provides loans for medical and/ or rehabilitative services for impaired physicians.
process, physicians should have an understanding of what to do — and not do. n
Please help physicians who are in recovery and need financial assistance. We rely on donations to help us continue this important work. Send your heartfelt donations to the PHR Assistance Fund at 401 West 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701-1680. Or call Linda Kuhn at TMA at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1342, or (512) 370-1342 for information.
Mr. Barton is an Austin attorney and former member of the TMA Office of the Gener- al Counsel. This commentary is based on actual physician responses to TMB inquiries.
Due to the odds of having to go through this
A statewide fund-raising campaign for the Physician Health and Rehabilitation Assistance Fund
Have a Heart for Physicians
As physicians, you know the greatest calling in life is to help those in need. The PHR Assistance Fund of Texas Medical Association does just that. The fund pro- vides loans for medical and/or rehabilitative services for impaired physicians.
Please help physicians who are in recovery and need financial assistance. We rely on donations to help us continue this important work. Send your heartfelt donations to the PHR Assistance Fund at 401 West 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701-1680. Or call Linda Kuhn at TMA at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1342, or (512) 370-1342 for information.
A statewide fund-raising campaign for the Physician Health and Rehabilitation Assistance Fund
1/2 Horiz. 73/16 x 413/16 July 2011 TEXAS MEDICINE 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68