MSSNY Calls on NYS Legislature to Ensure Due Process For Innocent Physicians
MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
865 Merrick Avenue, Westbury, New York 11590-9007
www.mssny.org
Communications Division
Telephone: (516) 488-6100
For Immediate Release
January 22, 2020
MSSNY CALLS ON NYS LEGISLATURE TO ENSURE DUE PROCESS FOR INNOCENT PHYSICIANS
Statement attributable to:
Art Fougner, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York
“The proposed Budget importantly advances several positive steps to promote public health, including restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products, regulating PBMs, and facilitating the ability of physicians to be more quickly approved into plan networks.
However, we are extremely concerned about the scope of the Budget proposals that would essentially strip physicians of important due process rights when a complaint has been filed with the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. We agree with the importance of acting quickly when it is imperative, but these proposals would completely undermine important and longstanding due process protections. Given that most complaints are dismissed without any sanction or action, this series of proposed changes to bypass these rights would create a substantial possibility of unfairly destroying an innocent physician’s career.
Due to our enormous liability costs and excessive regulations, New York already has the dubious reputation of being the worst state in the country to be a physician. Proposals like this will make it even more unattractive for physicians to choose New York to deliver patient care.
We welcome discussions to improve our disciplinary system to address gaps to help protect the public. However, these proposed changes are startling. We urge the Senate and Assembly to take a critical eye towards these overreaching proposals to assure patients can continue to receive the care they need.”
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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.
Media Contact:
Roseann Raia
Medical Society of the State of New York
516.488.6100 x 302
rraia@mssny.org