Editorial: Right prescription filled on licensing

Friday, June 7, 2002 | 10:09 a.m.

The state Board of Medical Examiners did the right thing this week when it didn't endorse Gov. Kenny Guinn's plan to relax the admission standards for obstetricians to get a Nevada license. Guinn, citing reports that these specialists were closing down their practices in Southern Nevada because of skyrocketing malpractice insurance premiums, wanted to ease the requirements in the hope that it would lure older physicians who previously may not have had to meet the newer, stricter hospital residency standards that are in place today. A shortage must be addressed, but relaxing standards isn't an answer.

While the Board of Medical Examiners made the correct decision on licensing, it is disappointing that it did so in Reno. It's been a year and a half since the board last met in Las Vegas and the earliest it may meet down here again is 2003. That simply is unacceptable. The board, just like any other state agency, should be responsive and in tune to the needs of Southern Nevada, home to nearly two out of three Nevadans.

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