Why did doctors in California block the law requiring them to disclose misconduct to patients?

probation

An editorial in the LA Times last Thursday needs you to read it. It explains the demise of a recent bill that would have required “physicians disciplined for serious violations to notify patients that they are on probation, and why.” The bill failed because it was “strongly opposed by the California Medical Assn.”

It’s difficult to imagine *any* legitimate reason for resisting such a disclosure rule.  And it’s difficult to imagine any other profession successfully blocking such a disclosure rule.  But we are all less safe when our doctors do not have to tell us they are on probation.

Hat tip to Rex Johnson of Washington Advocates for Patient Safety for passing this along.