Medical board cold on criminal checks of doctors

Monday, March 4, 2002 | 10:57 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

The state Board of Medical Examiners over the weekend showed little enthusiasm for a proposal to require criminal background checks for doctors, but showed some willingness to resume meetings in Las Vegas.

Board members threw cold water on the proposal by the Washoe Medical Center in Reno to check criminal records of all new doctors and those renewing their licenses annually.

Dr. Bill Carlson, chairman of the board of Washoe Medical Center and Betsy Vandeman, manager of medical staff services, urged the board to conduct the inquiries. They said it was part of a national movement and eventually it would be required in Nevada.

But Dr. Cheryl A. Hug-English, the board's chairwoman, said she didn't think the state's screening process misses many doctors who may have criminal convictions.

The board did not vote, but no member voiced support for the plan.

Hug-English did, however, say that next year the board could schedule its December meeting in Las Vegas, as was its practice until last year.

The board meets four times annually and canceled the scheduled Las Vegas session last year after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Robert Frantz, financial manager of the board, told the board it would cost $40,000 a year to televise the meetings to Las Vegas and Elko, a proposal that met with little board support.