Scottsdale,
Ariz. - At its meeting December 6th and 7th, the Arizona Medical Board resolved 81 cases, approved a substantive policy statement, formed a committee, and considered proposed legislation.
During its two day session, the Board dismissed four cases, upheld the Executive Director‘s dismissal of 22 others, and issued 23 non-disciplinary Advisory Letters. The Board approved six Consent Agreements for Letters of Reprimand. At the conclusion of Formal Interviews, the Board voted to issue three Letters of Reprimand and one Decree of Censure.
In other action, the Board denied motions for a rehearing or review in six cases and two appeals of the Executive Director‘s Referral to Formal Hearing. In addition, the Board approved a request for the termination of probation for one physician and accepted the surrender of two medical licenses. The Board approved the Draft Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order in ten cases adjudicated at the October meeting. The Medical Board lifted a stay of revocation and revoked the license of Kenley M. Remen, M.D., for violating a Board Order.
Medical Board Chair Robert P. Goldfarb, M.D., FACS, appointed a Committee to review all aspects of the supervision of Physician Assistants. Dr. Goldfarb said he hoped to have the committee‘s work done before the February 2007 Arizona Medical Board meeting.
The Medical Board reviewed a proposed Prescription Monitoring Program and had a number of questions involving implementation. If approved, the measure would require physicians to obtain a prescribing permit from the Arizona Board of Pharmacy in order to prescribe controlled substances. The Board expressed concern over security and patient privacy.
The Board decided to remain neutral on a proposed Sunrise Legislation for non-physician surgical assistants because it has not yet seen the bill language.
The Medical Board approved a Substantive Policy Statement on Internet Prescribing. The Policy states that Internet prescribing using an online questionnaire deviates from the minimum standard of care and violates state law.
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