House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

NEW!

Subscribe to receive notifications of new Co-Sponsorship Memos circulated

By Member | By Date | Keyword Search

House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 20, 2012 01:49 PM
From:	Representative Dom Costa
To:	All House members
Subject:	Theft of Controlled Substances by Healthcare Workers

In the near future, I plan to introduce four pieces of legislation that would require the revocation of a license/certification of healthcare workers for the conviction of an offense related to the theft of a controlled substance.

---

Document #1

Description:

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will amend the Professional Nursing Law to require the revocation of a professional nurse’s license for the conviction of an offense related to the theft of a controlled substance.   In 2011, Gallup’s Honesty and Ethics Survey revealed that nurses were at the top of the nation’s most trusted professions.  However, this honor can be diminished the moment a nurse is convicted of an offense related to the theft of a controlled substance, since nurses are often required to administer controlled substances to those under their care.  As state representatives, I believe it is our duty to ensure that patients are protected by restricting these individuals from returning to work as a nurse after engaging in certain unlawful behaviors.    To address this issue, my legislation amends Section 14(a)(8) of the Professional Nursing Law by authorizing the State Board of Nursing to permanently revoke the license of a professional nurse that has been convicted of acquiring, obtaining, or a possessing controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge.

Document #2

Description:

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation 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 15(a)(3) of the Medical Practice Act of 1985 and 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.

Document #3

Description:

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will amend the Practical Nurse Law to require the revocation of a practical nurse’s license for the conviction of an offense related to the theft of a controlled substance.   In 2011, Gallup’s Honesty and Ethics Survey revealed that nurses were at the top of the nation’s most trusted professions.  However, this honor can be diminished the moment a nurse is convicted of an offense related to the theft of a controlled substance, since nurses are often required to administer controlled substances to those under their care.  As state representatives, I believe it is our duty to ensure that patients are protected by restricting these individuals from returning to work as a nurse after engaging in certain unlawful behaviors.    To address this issue, my legislation amends Section 14(a)(8) of the Practical Nurse Law by authorizing the State Board of Nursing to permanently revoke the license of a practical nurse that has been convicted of acquiring, obtaining, or possessing a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge.

Document #4

Description:

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will amend the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to require that an osteopathic physician’s license be revoked for the conviction of an offense related to the theft of a controlled substance.    In addition to examining patients, osteopathic physicians have numerous duties, including the administration of controlled substances.  Doctors that have been convicted of engaging in illegal and inappropriate behavior, such as the theft of controlled substances, are not only endangering their lives but also the lives of their patients.  It is for this reason that I believe that any doctor that has been convicted of such an offense should be prevented from returning to this medical field and practicing medicine.      To address this issue, my legislation amends Section 15(a)(3) of the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.  This legislation would require a doctor of osteopathic medicine to have his or her license revoked for the conviction of acquiring, obtaining, or possessing a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge.