Editorial: Competency test is but one step

Wednesday, March 26, 2003 | 8:53 a.m.

The state Board of Medical Examiners is considering new regulations that would require doctors to pass competency examinations periodically to keep their licenses. Donald Baepler, a member of the board, says the regulations are a response to those people who say some doctors are not up to the task. "There can't be more than a handful," Baepler said.

Doctors should be up-to-date and proficient in their fields -- but we're doubtful if passing an examination will have much effect on medical care. What will really work is a greater emphasis by the Board of Medical Examiners on revoking the licenses of negligent doctors. In addition, and likely more important, attention should be placed on eliminating medical errors that even the most qualified physician can make, such as poor penmanship on prescription orders. This type of error can result in a pharmacist either providing the wrong medication or the wrong dosage -- mistakes that can be fatal. The Legislature could require doctors to eliminate that risk by computerizing prescription orders, so that they're typewritten and legible.

The national Institute of Medicine estimates that between 44,000 to 98,000 people die every year due to medical errors. Last year the Nevada Legislature, during its special session to deal with the medical malpractice insurance crisis, also passed legislation that called for a medical error reporting system if enough money was available. Under that system, hospitals and other medical providers would have to report deaths or serious injuries that happened under their care. The state health division would then gather the information in an effort to track errors and make overall recommendations on how physicians could prevent these mistakes in the future. But it's estimated it will take from $300,000 to $400,000 to set up the program -- and Gov. Kenny Guinn didn't include it this year in his budget. The Legislature, however, should fund this vital project. Cu tting down on medical errors and getting rid of bad physicians are important objectives that, if met, could go a long way i! n improving medical care.