Where to report an unsafe doctor?

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

Several floors in my hospital have had issues with this "doctor". He is actually a resident working as a hospitalist and ER physician. He has already caused an untimely death of one of MY patients. I fought with him all night over this patient, charted everything to cover my assets. He was written up twice that same night and NOTHING happened. His superviser wrote that it "warrants no further investigation". Well, he keeps making stupid mistakes, things that even I, as a nurse, know better than to do. The other night, if we had listened to him, another patient would have died. We had to go over his head AGAIN to get the right order to save this patient. Im sick of it. There is no excuse for a hospital allowing this to happen. I want to report his unsafe behavior. It isnt right. Patients deserve adequate healthcare and he is unable to provide it. Where do I report him? I searched the AMA site. Anyone have any advice? Reporting him at my hospital is useless.

[lindarn]

Several floors in my hospital have had issues with this "doctor". He is actually a resident working as a hospitalist and ER physician. He has already caused an untimely death of one of MY patients. I fought with him all night over this patient, charted everything to cover my assets. He was written up twice that same night and NOTHING happened. His superviser wrote that it "warrants no further investigation". Well, he keeps making stupid mistakes, things that even I, as a nurse, know better than to do. The other night, if we had listened to him, another patient would have died. We had to go over his head AGAIN to get the right order to save this patient. Im sick of it. There is no excuse for a hospital allowing this to happen. I want to report his unsafe behavior. It isnt right. Patients deserve adequate healthcare and he is unable to provide it. Where do I report him? I searched the AMA site. Anyone have any advice? Reporting him at my hospital is useless.

Did you write a letter to the hospital administration? And risk management? Did you keep a copy of the letter from his supervisor with the comment that your complaint "warrants no further investigation?

I would write to the Board of Medicine. Send a copy of the letter from his supervisor, a copy of the letter to the hospital adminstration, and risk managment. If you really want to be a B- Buster, find out which law firm defends the hospital. I would write a detailed letter to the senior partner, with copies of the letters that you sent to administration, his supervisor, and the Board of Medicine. Ask him if he really wants to take the responsibility of defending the hospital if a patient/family member sues, and that you feel that it is you ethical obligation to testify for the plaintiff if they sue.

To cover yourself, it might also be prudent to consult with an attorney who practices employment law, preferabley a nurse attorney. He/she will understand that hospitals, too often, "kill the messenger", when it comes to complaints about physicians and managers. Then, if the $$!& hits the fan, let the hospital know that you have consulted with an attorney, who will be in your corner if the hospital tries to retaliate against you.

Remember to practice "defensive employment". Cover your butt before you make waves. Just remember, it is your job to protect the patient, per the nurse practice act. Does the family know/are aware that there was malpractice involved in the death of their family member? If so, on the sly, you can always tell them to consult with an attorney to possible file a lawsuit. Many times families know that something wrong has gone on, but need someone to validate their feelings. JMHO.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

www.state.ky.us/agencies/kbml