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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 19, 2014 10:48 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Dom Costa |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Revoking the License of a State Board of Medicine Practitioner for the Theft of Controlled Substances |
| In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation – House Bill 815 – that will amend the Medical Practice Act of 1985 to require the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine to revoke the certification of a licensed practitioner for the conviction of an offense related to the theft of a controlled substance. Throughout his or her lifetime, an individual may visit various different health care professionals, including medical doctors, physician assistants, therapists and trainers. The reasons for the appointments can range from minor to fatal injuries or illnesses. Regardless of the severity of the issues, each patient should feel secure that his or her doctor is not only knowledgeable but also trustworthy. However, specific actions, such as the theft of controlled substances, can tarnish the reputation of that doctor, making patients unwilling to trust the physician. To address this issue, my legislation amends Section 41(3) of the Medical Practice Act of 1985 to require the State Board of Medicine to revoke the license of a board-regulated practitioner for the conviction of acquiring, obtaining, or possessing a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. A board-regulated practitioner may include a medical doctor, midwife, physician assistant, respiratory therapist, licensed athletic trainer or drugless therapist. Please join me in co-sponsoring this vital legislation to ensure the protection of the residents of this Commonwealth. |
Introduced as HB115