Cookbook paramedicine

[dr-exmedic]

Originally Posted by kyparamedic

I always hear that it's the doctor's license on the line, but can anyone cite me a case where a physician lost his license or was disciplined because of something a paramedic did? It may happen frequently, but I've never heard of it.

Disciplined or lost license, I've never heard of either. Sued, yes.

[VentMedic]

Originally Posted by dr-exmedic

Disciplined or lost license, I've never heard of either. Sued, yes.

In the book I listed there are actual cases cited. One of the biggest problem is when a medical director assumes something to be carried over from a school's training and omits it in the protocols. The other is oversight issue where the MD failed to monitor his/her paramedics or essentially was in name only or a very hands off type of director. That has caused some MDs to be disciplined by their state if a patient is harmed by their failure.

[armymedic571]

Here is the bottom line:

If there is anything that your medical director does, or doesn't do that you do not like it is your responsibility as a provider to bring it up. If the issue is with protocol, make sure it is not a mis-interpretation of that protocol, and that the other providers in your agency have the same concern.

If it is a neglect issue, I would bring it to your management/leadership so that they can revisit the agreement with the Medical Director to remind everyone of his/her responsibilties.

If there is a specific issue, why not ask. I know that my peers and I do not always understand/agree some of our command physicians. But instead of sitting in the office being poopy face about it, go ask the question. Don't be rude about it, but pose it as a learning opportunity. That doctor might teach you something. Or, maybe they will learn something.

The bottom line is, it is their license. If you do not like how they are operating, you need to talk it out, or get a new Medical Director.

Vent, I disagree with your comment of the Good Sam Act. You are correct that it is not necessarily extended to MD's, but then again in most states that act (state specific) it does not apply to pre-hospital providers that are being paid for their services. Also, Good Sam Acts do not cover providers who go against standing protocols, scope of practice, or best practices.

In the context that you bring the Good Sam Act up in this discussion, I do not think it necessarily applies.

FFmedic13..... I would say you covered all of your bases with your new Med Director. I wonder, how does this new guy respond to direct questions??? Not questioning his judgement, more of a clarification to his thought process, so that you can understand, and are both on the same page.

I would think that if you approached him with more of an educational question, you might get an honest answer, without making him defensive.

[VentMedic]

Originally Posted by armymedic571

Vent, I disagree with your comment of the Good Sam Act. You are correct that it is not necessarily extended to MD's, but then again in most states that act (state specific) it does not apply to pre-hospital providers that are being paid for their services. Also, Good Sam Acts do not cover providers who go against standing protocols, scope of practice, or best practices.

In the context that you bring the Good Sam Act up in this discussion, I do not think it necessarily applies.
.

Good article that was on this site last year.
http://www.emsresponder.com/print/EMS-Magazine/Immunity-Statutes--How-State-Laws-Protect-EMS-Providers/1$1800

Luckily it takes more than just a few disgruntled FFs to get rid of a medical director. Collier County, FL would really be a serious mess if it was that easy.

[dr-exmedic]

Originally Posted by VentMedic

Luckily it takes more than just a few disgruntled FFs to get rid of a medical director.

It really depends on how the local system is set up, so your mileage may vary. Here, there are 2 competing medical command systems in town (technically 3, but the 3rd is really just a subset of the 1), and there are a few local systems who are known medical director shoppers. It was even easier for them back when the 3rd trauma center in town was independent and had its own command system as well.

[armymedic571]

Originally Posted by VentMedic

Good article that was on this site last year.
http://www.emsresponder.com/print/EMS-Magazine/Immunity-Statutes--How-State-Laws-Protect-EMS-Providers/1$1800.

Vent...Good article.