MOC and Nurses

Dear Editor,

I read the other day that Senator Jim Sheehan marched in solidarity with the United Nurses and Allied Professionals at Rhode Island and Hasbro Hospitals. As a doctor myself, I know what a difficult job nursing is and has become more so over the years; I wish them well.

Jim, a union member himself, has also been a strong advocate for Rhode Island physicians across the state who are being required to obtain board certification or “credentialing” from the American Board of Medical Specialties (“ABMS”). The ABMS is a large private corporation with near-monopoly control of the maintenance of certification market. What was meant to be an additional distinction, to be pursued only if a physician desired, has over time become a virtual requirement, resulting in thousands of dollars in unnecessary costs which are passed on to consumers, and requiring countless hours of a physician’s time that could be better devoted to patient care [as well as avoiding doctor burnout].

Physicians already undergo rigorous training in medical school and residency programs, are fully licensed by the state and are required to complete at least 20 hours of continuing medical education on average each year to stay current with the latest medical developments.

Senator Sheehan introduced legislation, overwhelmingly passed by the Senate this year, which would empower doctors to decide if and what credentialing program they wish their staff colleagues to participate in. While this is supposed to be practice already in place at hospitals, without a union, doctors often must simply go along with the wishes of hospital management. If Senator Sheehan’s bill were to pass in the House, Rhode Island would join 13 other states in giving doctors a voice in the workplace.

I thank Senator Jim Sheehan for standing up for the underdog and am hopeful that this legislation will pass the House next year. With the support of Narragansett and North Kingstown voters in the September 12th Primary, I am confident Senator Jim Sheehan will get the job done.

Sincerely,

Debbi McInteer M.D.