The public of New Hampshire needs to know about disciplinary actions taken against the doctors of New Hampshire. As it stands (and is the case for most state boards of medicine historically) most of the settlements made between a doctor and the N.H. Board of Medicine result in a “reprimand,” a handful of continuing education hours and an administrative fine of approximately $1,000.
This seems like a very small “disciplinary action” considering many of these cases resulted in the death of a patient due to the negligence or inadequacy of the doctor.
In one case of a N.H. doctor in 2014, actions were taken for a patient who had cardiac arrest and no shock was given to revive him. The patient died. The penalty given? “Respondent is reprimanded. Respondent is required to participate in 15 hours of continuing education in advanced cardiac life support. Respondent is fined $1,000.”
The biggest problem with this? “Respondent shall furnish a copy of this settlement agreement to any employer for one year from this agreement.” Outside of the one year? No one needs to know.
This doctor is still practicing medicine in the state of New Hampshire, with patients not aware of the legal and malpractice actions against him.
At the very least patients need to know that there is a website (oplc.nh.gov/medicine/board-actions.htm) where you can look up any doctor with a N.H. license, and whether there have been disciplinary actions taken against them.
LYNDSEY GOYETTE
Penacook