[Cerek the Barbaric]

Originally posted by Skunk: Who witnessed the act and allowed it to continue, one wonders? It wasn't stated. Even if Harrison obliged a request to autograph the guitar, it is still highly inappropriate request for a doctor who was supposed to be attending to his patients needs rather than his own. At the very least, I think he should face a professional misconduct hearing - unless he can prove that the signatures took place before Harrison was bed-ridden or that Harrison made the offer, rather than responded to a request.

I agree completely Skunk. Having worked in the healthcare field for 12 years and also been a patient many times during that period, I can state with absolute certainty that the doctor made a MAJOR breach of patient confidentiality. And it doesn't matter that George Harrison was a celebrity. The new HIPAA regulations regarding a patients right to privacy are VERY strict and are also very strictly enforced.

While the doctor did receive a reprimand for his actions, that falls short of the transgression he committed. He should definitely face a professional misconduct hearing and perhaps even have his privileges suspended for a short period of time as punishment. The suspension for breach of confidentiality should not be permanent, because it doesn't represent an endangerment to other patients and one lesson should be adequate for the point to be learned.

However, if the rest of the allegations are true...then that brings up questions of ethical misconduct. That's a harder case to prove, but I think it should carry a more severe punishment if it is proven.

Or to put it another way - I could overlook the doctor releasing private health information to the media regarding a celebrity...but if he put his personal interests above and before the treatment and comfort of his patient, then he should face the possibility of losing his license based on ethical violations.

I wish Attalus were still around. He could give us an inside perspective on exactly what penalties the doctor should face.