Study: Medical boards too lenient on MDs

A study published by Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland finds that many physicians who commit crimes aren't properly punished by state medical boards. Sixty-seven percent of non-violent infractions--things like improper prescription use or distribution and Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance fraud--often result in nothing more than reprimands, fines or mandatory educational classes. Doctors who commit these crimes continue to practice medicine and patients are often unaware of their criminal background. On the other hand, medical boards deal harshly with violent crimes by revoking medical licenses. The study found that only 6.7 percent of these crimes were not severely punished. Critics say the medical boards focus too much on doctor's right and not enough on patient safety. The AMA defends the medical boards, saying that every case has to be dealt with differently.

For details about the medical board's actions:
- see this report from USA Today