Medical mistakes can have serious consequences for Oregon patients. A doctor mistake such as an overdose, prescription error or misdiagnosis of a fatal condition can lead to the wrongful death of a patient. In one such case, a physician is now facing a formal complaint before the state medical licensing board after an emergency suspension of his medical license. Several patients of the doctor have died from drug toxicity.
The complaint accuses the doctor of incompetence and the reckless prescribing of pain medications. It alleges that a review of his prescription practices reveals inappropriate and dangerous prescribing habits that are not medically sound.
In particular, the complaint alleges that he recklessly prescribed extremely addictive pain medications without a medical purpose and overused steroid injections. The complaint also accuses the doctor of failing to adequately supervise his nurses and physicians’ assistants in the monitoring of patient care and safety.
The complaint follows a series of civil lawsuits that have been filed against the doctor. There are also allegations from a growing number of patients that he caused them to get addicted to pain medication.
Medical mistakes by healthcare providers are unacceptable at all levels. However, as indicated in the above case, recklessly prescribing highly addictive pain medications and failing to properly monitor potential drug interactions can have serious consequences. Patients put their trust in their healthcare providers not only for proper medical treatment, but also for appropriate pain management.
Compensation may be available to those who have lost a loved one due to a medical mistake or the negligent actions of a physician. An experienced Portland medical malpractice attorney can assist with evaluating a potential claim.
Source: The Journal Gazette, “State slaps six-count complaint on pain doc,” Rebecca S. Green, Dec. 29, 2012