Illinois Cracks Down on Doctors Convicted of Crimes Against Patients
side note: This is the Illinois story that keeps on giving. Last year, the Chicago Tribune did an investigative article where it was discovered an appalling number of Illinois doctors practicing with convictions on their record for sex crimes or violent acts against patients. This led directly to the passage and implementation of House Bill 105, the Patients’ Right to Know Act, which requires the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation to make physician profiles available for public inspection, including an internet-accessible database. The database will compile a wide range of information, including: years in practice, hospital privileges, educational information, criminal convictions for felonies and Class A misdemeanors as well as any professional disciplinary actions, Medicaid participation, journal articles and translation services offered.
This week the Chicago Tribune reported on steps taken by the state that revoked the licenses of nearly a dozen health care workers who have been convicted of violent crimes or sex crimes against their patients. The six physicians and five nurses who lost their ability to practice in the state were the first facing punishment under a new state law. Blog readers are aware of several new pieces of legislation that were passed by lawmakers this year to prevent Illinois medical malpractice and abuse.
