In the world in which we live, there are certain professions that are responsible for public safety – pilots, bus drivers, train operators, police officers, firefighters, construction workers, electricians, and doctors, to name a few.
The individuals holding these positions place the lives of others in their hands every time they go to work. Because of the magnitude of their responsibility to others, we want to make sure they are capable and prepared. Sometimes, that means licensing and certifications, or continuing education, supervision, and even drug testing.
Most public safety jobs require employees to be drug tested. However, there is one in particular that does not – medical professionals.
California wants to be the first state to require doctors to be drug tested. Proposition 46, which is a California ballot initiative focused on issues surrounding medical malpractice, includes a law that would subject all doctors to random drug testing. The initiative would also raise the damage caps for medical malpractice cases from $250,000 to $1.1 million to reflect inflation.
Substance abuse is a known issue in the medical profession, and given the access medical professionals have to controlled substances, something needs to be done. Proponents argue, “No one should be above or below suspicion… we all need to play by similar rules.”
Opponents say it is just another tactic by personal injury lawyers to make more money, but truthfully, with as many as 400,000 people a year dying from preventable medical errors, does it really matter what the motivation is behind the law?
Doctors shouldn’t be held to a different standard than other professionals who are responsible for the safety of others. If anything, we should pay closer attention to our doctors.
Medical professionals make life and death decisions every day, and if there is even a chance that someone is impaired, don’t we need to know?
Do you want to see a law like this passed in Ohio?
If you or a loved one was a victim of medical malpractice, you have to call me right away 1 (800) 556-4769. I can help you get the compensation you deserve. As your Ohio medical malpractice lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
