Posted: | January 12, 2017 05:08 PM |
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From: | Representative Dom Costa |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Revoking the License of a Medical Practitioner, who is licensed by the State Board of Medicine, for the Theft of Controlled Substances |
In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation – House Bill 115 of 2015 – 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. Please note, my bill is focusing on board-regulated practitioners, which include: medical doctors, midwives, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, licensed athletic trainers or drugless therapists. 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 medical visits can range from minor problems to life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Regardless of the severity of the issue, 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 put lives at risk and tarnish the reputation of that doctor, forever severing the trust between a patient and a doctor. 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. As stated above, 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 HB317