Last week the Roanoke Times published an excellent editorial on the lack of disciplinary action taken by the Board of Medicine against Virginia doctors. Some of the more interesting observations included:
* A 1999 report faulted the Board of Medicine for allowing physicians to practice in situations where license revocation or suspension was warranted.
* Public Citizen, a non-profit public advocacy group, reports that Virginia has fallen from 30th to 39th in the nation in the number of serious disciplinary actions taken against physicians.
* The Virginia Board of Medicine receives about 2,000 complaints against physicians each year….yet disciplines only about 5 physicians per year.
Does this mean we have great doctors? Maybe, or does it mean the Board of Medicine is not doing its job of policing incompetent doctors and protecting the safety and well being of Virginia citizens.
What do you think?