MSSNY Responds to Governor’s Statement on Physician Discipline Proposal


MSSNY Seal
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 10, 2020 

MSSNY RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR’S STATEMENT ON PHYSICIAN DISCIPLINE PROPOSAL 

Statement attributable to:
Art Fougner, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York

“New York’s Physicians have a great interest in working with the State Health Department to ensure that New York’s disciplinary process moves swiftly when necessary to remove those from practice that present a threat to the public.  To that end, we have worked proactively with the Administration and Legislature on laws to enhance the ability of OPMC to “summarily suspend” physicians in certain instances where it would be imprudent to wait for a final action.  And it is imperative that we work for improvements to this system as issues arise that interfere with its mission to protect the public.

At the same time, an appropriate balance is needed.  Recognizing that there are enormous professional implications when disciplinary action is taken against a physician, or even when there has been an accusation, we must also ensure that fair due process is provided when a physician is accused of professional misconduct.  Indeed, most complaints of alleged misconduct do not become actual findings of misconduct. Yet with Google and Yahoo search functions, an unproven allegation could linger forever in cyberspace, and permanently and unfairly scar a reputation.  We look forward to reviewing the text of this proposal as it becomes available and working with the Legislature and Governor to ensure we maintain the critical balance of protecting the Public while also protecting against the consequences of unfounded allegations.”

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About the Medical Society of the State of New York
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.


MSSNY Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302
rraia@mssny.org

 

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