FL doctor fights government involvement in patient safety
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
June 9, 2005
A St.Petersburg doctor has sued the state of Florida in an effort to prevent rules limiting the use of antibiotics in surgical patients, according to a report in the St. Petersburg Times.David McKalip said many of the national efforts to help reduce patient safety take away discretion from physicians who have to treat patients as individuals. Using one-size-fits-all remedies removes a physician's ability to effectively treat a patient, he said.
The requirement McKalip has challenged requires physicians to stop antibiotics 24 hours after a patient's surgery. AlthoughMcKalip said that usually a good recommendation, patients with weaker immune systems may need more time with the medications. Although the rule allows physicians to continue prescribing the antibiotics provided they explain the reason, McKalip said it creates additional bureaucracy that physicians don't need.
To read the complete report, click here.
